Irrigation and Water Management Flashcards

What is deficit irrigation in water-limited agriculture?

Answer: Intentionally applying less than full ET replacement to maximize water productivity

Deficit irrigation deliberately applies less than full crop ET replacement during less-sensitive growth stages to conserve water while accepting minor yield reductions.

Which measure describes the volume of water stored in a soil profile available to plants?

Answer: Available water capacity (AWC)

Available water capacity is the difference between field capacity and permanent wilting point, representing the water plants can extract from the soil profile.

In sprinkler irrigation design, what does 'distribution uniformity' measure?

Answer: How evenly water is applied across the irrigated area

Distribution uniformity measures how evenly water is spread across the field, with high uniformity ensuring all areas receive adequate amounts without over- or under-irrigation.

Waterlogged soils reduce crop yields primarily by causing what condition?

Answer: Oxygen depletion in the root zone, causing anaerobic conditions harmful to roots

Waterlogged soils are saturated with water, displacing oxygen and creating anaerobic conditions that impair root respiration, nutrient uptake, and plant growth.

What is the Ogallala Aquifer significant for in US agriculture?

Answer: It is a major underground water source for irrigation in the Great Plains states

The Ogallala Aquifer underlies about 174,000 square miles across eight Great Plains states and supplies irrigation water for approximately 30% of US groundwater-irrigated cropland.

Which irrigation efficiency improvement method involves applying water at precise times and small amounts based on sensor data?

Answer: Precision irrigation using soil moisture sensor networks

Precision irrigation uses real-time soil moisture sensor data to trigger small, frequent water applications that match crop demand, maximizing efficiency.