WATER, SALINITY, AND NITRATE RELATIONS OF A CITRUS WATERSHED UNDER DRIP, FURROW, AND SPRINKLER IRRIGATION

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Abstract
The relationships among different irrigation systems, water use, nitrate losses and soil salinity of a 389-ha citrus watershed in southern California [USA] irrigated with a 1.1-dS/m water were determined. Salt balance patterns were typical with salts accumulating during the primary irrigation season (May-Oct.) and leaching during the winter season. Orchards under sprinkler and furrow irrigation received 33 and 35% more water, respectively, then orchards under drip irrigation. Soil sample analysis indicated that sprinkler irrigation provided the best leaching of soluble salts. Nitrate leaching losses from the watershed were significant, with yearly losses averaging 80.2 kg NO3-N/ ha. Although the irrigation management was changed from predominately furrow and sprinkler irrigation to drip irrigation during the preceding 10 yr to reduce water and nitrate losses from the watershed, the resultant leaching fraction remained essentially unchanged, and nitrate losses actually increased under the drip management.

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