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EVALUATION OF IRRIGATION METHODS FOR SALINITY CONTROL IN GRAND VALLEY
Citation:
Evans, R., W. Walker, G. Skogerboe, AND S. Smith. EVALUATION OF IRRIGATION METHODS FOR SALINITY CONTROL IN GRAND VALLEY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-78/161.
Description:
Irrigation return flows in the Upper Colorado River Basin carry large salt loads as a result of contact with the saline soils and the marine derived geologic substratum. The Grand Valley of western Colorado is a major contributor to the salinity problems of the basin and is, therefore, a logical region to test the effectiveness of agricultural salinity control alternatives. This study emphasized the implementation of on-farm salinity control alternatives; primarily evaluating irrigation scheduling, furrow irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and trickle irrigation. Border irrigation was also evaluated, but was not implemented as part of this study. The cost-effectiveness of the various on-farm alternatives in the Grand Valley is summarized and presented in this report.