CONTROLLING EROSION AND SEDIMENT LOSS FROM FURROW-IRRIGATED CROPLAND

Irrigation-induced erosion and subsequent sediment loss is a serious a gricultural and environmental problem. Recent recognition of this prob lem has stimulated the development and evaluation of erosion and sedim ent-loss-control technology. Research results indicate that the applic ation of the technology available today can reduce sediment loss by 70 -100%. Important practices include irrigation-water management, sedime nt-retention basins, buried-pipe tailwater-control systems, vegetative filter strips, tailwater-recovery systems, keeping crop residues on t he soil surface and in furrows, and implementing conservation tillage practices.