BEST MANAGEMENT OF PESTICIDE - FURROW IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Effects of furrow irrigation designs, water management practices (irri gation scheduling, etc.), soil types and pesticide parameters on pesti cide leaching were simulated. A hydraulic kinematic-wave irrigation mo del was used to estimate water infiltration for alternative furrow len gths and inflow rates. A one-dimensional simulation model then simulat ed the movement of pesticides through soils following furrow irrigatio n. Potential ground-water contamination by pesticides can be reduced b y an integrated use of the best management practices (BMPs) such as ca reful selection and use of pesticides, efficient furrow irrigation des igns and improved water management techniques (irrigation scheduling, etc.). Procedures for designing an appropriate furrow irrigation syste m for a particular site and pesticide, and selecting pesticides for a particular site, crop and furrow irrigation system are illustrated. Th ese procedures are being used to develop decision support computer mod els for developing different BMPs for pesticide-agricultural managemen t decisions.