Sprinkler Irrigation Runoff and Erosion Control Using Interrow Tillage Techniques

A continuous-application rainfall simulator was used to apply water at rates similar to the peak rates of center pivot irrigation systems equipped with low pressure spray sprinkler packages. Three interrow tillage treatments– implanted reservoir, basin till, and subsoiler–were compared to conventional tillage for two field slope conditions (1% and 10%). Tillage that provided increased levels of surface storage provided the most effective means of controlling both runoff and soil erosion. At 10% field slope, the implanted reservoir reduced runoff by 68% and soil erosion by 92% compared to the conventional treatment. There was significantly greater soil erosion on the subsoiler treatment than on the basin till, implanted reservoir, or conventional treatments for 10% field slope conditions. However, at 1% field slopes, the subsoiler treatment was comparable to the implanted reservoir with respect to amount of water runoff and soil erosion. At 10% field slopes, the conventional treatment resulted in greater erosion than the implanted reservoir and basin till treatments. However, at 1% field slopes, no difference in runoff volume was measured.