The Effect of Nonuniform Water Application on Soil Moisture Content, Moisture Depletion, and Irrigation Efficiency

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Abstract
Soil moisture measurements with a neutron probe indicated considerable non‐uniformity of moisture application in a citrus grove. Surface recharge was well correlated (r = 0.89) with interna recharge immediate'y after irrigation, but the coefficient of correlation decreased (r = 0.68) as the moisture was redistributed in the soil. Higher terminal moisture contents after irrigation, and higher rates of moisture depletion during the initial period of subsequent drying cycles, were measured in the soil volumes receiving higher rates of moisture application. Even though moisture application was nonuniform, irrigation efficiency was high, since the terminal moisture content was affected and the maximum wetting depth remained within the root zone. These effects of nonuniform moisture application must be considered during moisture requirement experiments if gross errors are to be avoided.

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