Sprinkler and Surface Irrigation of Vegetable and Field Crops in an Arid Environment 1

Abstract Solid set sprinkler irrigation with 3 mm/hour application rate was compared to flood irrigation in a clay soil and to furrow irrigation in a sandy clay loam. Equivalent volumes of water removed greater quantities of salt from the soil profile under sprinklers in the clay soil. Surface salt accumulation was greater under furrow irrigation in the sandy clay loam. Emergence and early growth rates of five field crops were equal or better under sprinkling in the clay soil. Early growth rates of 10 vegetable crops were equal or greater under sprinklers on the sandy clay loam. Final yields indicate the sprinkler irrigation will require more frequent applications than the surface systems. Sprinkler irrigation was shown to have a higher water use efficiency than the surface systems. A change in bed conformity made possible by sprinkling greatly increased the yield potential of vegetable crops.