Sub-surface trickle irrigation of alfalfa with treated waste-water
1989
Oron, G. (Ben-Gurion University, Kiryat Sde-Boker (Israel). The Institute of Desert Research) | DeMalach, Y. (Ramat Negev Experimental Field Station, Revivim (Israel))
Field experiments of alfalfa irrigation with treated domestic wastewater have been conducted for more than two years on RM farm near BeerSheva. Alfalfa is irrigated under subsurface trickle irrigation. The flow rate of the emitters is 2.3 L/hr. Spacing of laterals is 1.0 m, 1.5 m and 2.0 m. The laterals are installed at 20 cm. and 40 cm. below the soil surface. Each treatment is examined in two replications. Control treatments consist of sprinkler irrigation plots: one plot is harvested simultaneously with the trickle experiments and the other on 50% blooming (in these plots sprinkler spacing is smaller than under commercial field conditions). Best yields were obtained under emitter depths of 40 cm. of all lateral spacings. Maximal annual yield of more than 25 tons/ha (dry matter) was obtained for lateral spacing of 1.0 m. and emitter depth of 40 cm. The annual yield for sprinkle irrigation was around 21 tons/ha. Besides the higher yields, the convenience of field cultivation is an advantage. Sub-surface trickle irrigation also improves weeds control and expands alfalfa survival.
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