Effect of Irrigated Agriculture on Groundwater

Abstract

The time it takes for deep percolation water from irrigated fields to reach underlying groundwater increases with decreasing particle size of the vadose zone material and increasing depth to groundwater. For average deep percolation rates, decades may be required before the water joins the groundwater. Due to nonuniform irrigation applications and preferential flow, some deep percolation water will reach the groundwater much faster. Dissolved salts, nitrate, and pesticides are the chemicals in deep percolation water of main concern in groundwater pollution. Movement of pesticides may be retarded in the vadose zone, but biodegradation may also be slowed due to reduced organic carbon content and microbial activity at greater depths. Because of the large area of irrigated land in the world and the real potential for groundwater pollution, more research is necessary on downward movement of water and chemicals in the vadose zone.