Infiltration Under Surge Flow Irrigation

ABSTRACT THE effect of intermittent application on infiltration rate was investigated. It was concluded that the intermittent application of water will increase the hydraulic gradient of infiltration and at the same time may result in consolidation of the soil. If the rate of consolidation is high enough to offset the effect of increased hydraulic gradient then the intermittent application will reduce the infiltration rate. On previously consolidated soils the intermittent application of water will increase the infiltration rate. The intake rates during the first irrigation of two cultivated soils were measured in the field for both continuous and surge flow irrigation. It was concluded that increasing the off-time in surge flow irrigation may increase the reduction of intake rate, but the process will be limited.