Rationale | Objectives

Lesson 3 - Preamble
Acknowledgement: Taken from "Living on the Land 2001"

Rationale

About 90 percent of the world’s fresh water use is for irrigation. How we manage our irrigation water not only affects our crops, but it also affects the quality and quantity of water in our environment. Efficient use of irrigation water grows healthier crops, reduces water pollution and saves money by conserving nutrients and water. By understanding how soil texture and soil depth relate to soil water-holding capacity and infiltration rates, combined with crop needs, rooting depth, climate and evaporation rates, a landowner can begin to make knowledgeable decisions about choosing an appropriate irrigation system and designing an effective irrigation schedule.

Objectives

Participants will:

1. Understand the different sources for irrigation water
2. Learn how soil texture relates to soil water-holding capacity and drainage
3. Learn how to judge water-holding capacity
4. Learn how to determine when it is time to irrigate
5. Understand irrigation water quality
6. Understand the different methods of irrigation
7. Apply knowledge of this and previous two lessons to soil water management of their properties

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