Soil infiltration and aggregate stability as influenced by drop size under sprinkler irrigation systems

Sprinkler irrigation is a modern method of irrigation through which water can be used effectively. In the field, if it is not designed properly may create the problems of runoff and soil erosion that tend to seal soil pores. Runoff and soil erosion are directly related to soil infiltration rate and aggregate stability which are affected by impact of drops on the surface. In order to investigate the reasons, a field study investigation was conducted to assess the effect of drop size on soil infiltration rate and aggregate stability at three operating pressures; 2.5, 2.0 and 1.5 kg/cm². The soil infiltration rate was measured using double cylinder infiltrometer. The aggregate stability was determined by sieve analysis. The study reveals that soil infiltration capacity and soil aggregate stability both decreased with an increase in drop size with their respective operating pressure. However no fixed trend of variation was observed on soil infiltration capacity and aggregate stability with variation of water drop density. Soil infiltration capacity and soil aggregate stability was observed low near the sprinkler and minimum at periphery of the wetted circle.