Water management has a predominant role in soil structure and fertility. Water acts as a solvent, as a reagent and as a transport medium. It participates in the physical, chemical and biological processes of the soil. Soils can be characterized as having different water balance depending on structure, location and environmental factors which gives information regarding the water supply of the area and the quantity of water provided for plants. Certain elements of cultivation practice are all important factors of improving the effectiveness of water consumption. The water uptake mechanism through the roots is discussed. Modern irrigation systems are used to prevent water shortage (water stress) to avoid yield loss, and it is advisable to start irrigation before the onset of the visible symptoms of water deficiency, before the moisture content of the soil falls below 50% of its water capacity. Calculation methods are given to determine the irrigation water requirement. A case study on effects of an up-to-date irrigation system on sweet corn, maize and sunflower yields is presented. A tape drip irrigation method was tested on the level of yields and yielding elements of maize. Irrigation satisfying the 100% water requirement of the crop was supplemented with complex water-soluble fertilizer (N-P-K). The results show that the yields of sweet corn could be significantly increased in the very favourable water supply.

soil, water management, irrigation

agronomy

Presentation: poster