Em4885 irrigation management practices to protect ground water
Em4885 irrigation management practices to protect ground water
Em4885 irrigation management practices to protect ground water
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
4 CHAPTER<br />
SECTION 1 - REDUCE CONTAMINATION<br />
OF SURFACE RUNOFF<br />
IP 5.01.01 - Use Cover Crops on Un<strong>protect</strong>ed, Easily Erodible Soils<br />
Objective<br />
The primary objective is reduction of erosion but improvements in infiltration rates and<br />
nitrogen fixation (if a legume is used) may be additional benefits.<br />
Description<br />
A cover crop is any crop grown <strong>to</strong> produce dense <strong>ground</strong> cover between the main<br />
agronomic crop. The intentions may include stabilization of erodible soils, improvement<br />
of soil infiltration rates, nitrogen fixation or retention, or some combination of the three.<br />
This <strong>management</strong> practice is applicable <strong>to</strong> any <strong>irrigation</strong> system and soil type. It is<br />
especially beneficial <strong>to</strong> sprinkle <strong>irrigation</strong> systems on soils that are easily eroded by<br />
wind or <strong>water</strong>. A prime application is growing a cover crop between rows in vineyards<br />
or orchards.<br />
Cover crops should be chosen that are compatible with the general cultural system. It is<br />
especially important <strong>to</strong> consider what insects or weeds the potential cover crop may be a<br />
host for. Cover crops may also change the nutrient cycle by releasing or using nitrogen at<br />
different times of the year.<br />
SCS National Practices 327 and 340 address establishment of cover and green manure<br />
crops for soil stabilization and improvement.<br />
IP 5.01.02 - Manage Crop Residues <strong>to</strong> Reduce Surface Water Contamination<br />
Objective<br />
Improve soil structure and increase infiltration rates by providing adequate organic residue<br />
from the cropping rotation.<br />
Description<br />
This <strong>management</strong> practice is applicable <strong>to</strong> any type <strong>irrigation</strong> system and soil type, but is<br />
especially beneficial <strong>to</strong> sprinkle <strong>irrigation</strong> systems on easily erodible soils. This Practice<br />
consists of including high residue crops, corn and small grains for example, in a cropping<br />
rotation. The organic matter from these crops stays on or near the soil surface and is<br />
effective in increasing infiltration rates and reducing erosion and runoff.<br />
SCS National Practices 328 and 344 address cropping rotations and the use of crop<br />
residues. Practice 354 defines delayed seedbed preparation <strong>to</strong> reduce erosion.<br />
94
Change language