Controlling Erosion and Sediment Loss from Furrow‐Irrigated Cropland

Abstract

Irrigation‐induced erosion and subsequent sediment loss is a serious agricultural and environmental problem. Recent recognition of this problem has stimulated the development and evaluation of erosion and sediment‐loss‐control technology. Research results indicate that the application of the technology available today can reduce sediment loss by 70–100%. Important practices include irrigation‐water management, sediment‐retention basins, buried‐pipe tailwater‐control systems, vegetative filter strips, tailwater‐recovery systems, keeping crop residues on the soil surface and in furrows, and implementing conservation tillage practices.