IMPACT OF RESERVOIR TILLAGE ON WATER INTAKE AND SOIL EROSION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of reservoir tillage on water intake and soil erosion was studied under two levels of soil compaction. Plots were instrumented to measure soil erosion and surface runoff. A Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) irrigation system was used to apply water to the plots. Four irrigation tests were conducted late in the growing season. Runoff from the reservoir tillage treatments was lower than from the non-reservoir tillage treatments. This was particularly evident in the high soil compaction treatments. In low compaction treatments, the difference in runoff amount between reservoir tillage and non-reservoir tillage was small. The depth of water which infiltrated exceeded 97% of the depth of water applied in low compaction plots, and varied between 50% and 90% of the depth of water applied in the high compaction plots. Infiltration rates measured by double-ring infiltrometer were higher in treatments with reservoir tillage than without reservoir tillage. Low compaction treatments had higher infiltration rates than high compaction treatments. KEYWORDS. Tillage, Reservoir, Runoff, Soil compaction, LEPA.