Summary
Observations and studies were conducted on the origin and destination of sediment in irrigation water, and the effects of sediment adsorbed on the wetted perimeter of furrows on water intake and erosion. Fine sediment adsorbed on the perimeter reduced intake and increased soil water tension which was the primary mechanism holding the sediment on the perimeter. This self enhancing effect causes this thin seal to decrease erosion and intake rates. In contrast, removal of a few square centimeters of this seal by chance events after water velocities and shear forces have increased often causes reduced tensions, exfoliation of the surface seal and erosion pits which develop into head cuts.
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References
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Brown, M.J., Kemper, W.D., Trout, T.J. et al. Sediment, erosion and water intake in furrows. Irrig Sci 9, 45–55 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292142
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292142