Irrigation with fresh water
Management Activity
Irrigation is the controlled application of water to maintain or enhance vegetative growth; it is used to supplement rainfall. Water for irrigation may be obtained from surface or ground water sources, including rivers, lakes, dams, bores and recycled effluent water. For the purposes of this guide recycled effluent water has not been considered here, it has been covered separately. Irrigation can affect both soil and water health.
The direct impacts of irrigation may include:
If over-irrigation occurs the following impacts may result:
- Changed deep drainage
- Increased soil erosion
- Soil nutrient loss through leaching and erosion
- Increased soil waterlogging
Using water with a high salt content may lead to the impacts of:
Last updated: 04 November 2008