SOIL-WATER BASICS & SOIL HEALTH


UNDERSTANDING IMPLICATIONS OF INHERENT SOIL PROPERTIES ON WATER MOVEMENT AND STORAGE CAN GUIDE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT.


water holding capacity and infiltration, because small pores are formed inside the aggregates, while larger pores are created between aggregates.


Practices that increase organic matter inputs and promote biotic activity increase aggregation and improve soil structure. Thus, building soil structure through the adoption of soil health practices can help reduce runoff, improve infiltration and increase water holding capacity, preparing the soil for extreme weather and improving water use efficiency in the long run.


Improve soil health with management practices


Cover crop plantings, application of organic amendments such as compost and reducing tillage intensity are recommended to improve soil health. Besides benefits for water infiltration and retention, these practices can reduce erosion and dust while increasing nutrient retention, promoting beneficial soil organisms and increasing soil organic matter and soil tilth. Financial incentives for the adoption of soil health practices can be obtained through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the


The cover crop planted in between these pistachio trees helps to put nitrogen into the soil, since the field is organic. Compost was also applied to the cover crop rows to assist with soil structure and water holding capacity.


Winter 2022 | Irrigation TODAY 21


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