Plant Growth and Yield as Affected by Wet Soil Conditions Due to Flooding or Over-Irrigation

Adopting proper irrigation management strategies can reduce the negative impacts of over-irrigation and provide a balance between the crop water requirements and available water. Over-irrigation leads to water loss, increases energy use for pumping, causes leaching of nitrogen and other micronutrients, and wastes time. Crop nitrogen needs, fertilizer costs, and nitrogen losses to groundwater also result from over-irrigation. Improper irrigation and fertilization management can be a major contributor to groundwater contamination.

The objective of irrigation management is to establish proper timing and amount of irrigation for greatest effectiveness. This will minimize yield loss due to crop water stress, maximize yield response to other management practices, and optimize yield per unit of water applied. All of these factors contribute to farm profitability. Poor irrigation management that results in either excessive or inadequate water application can significantly reduce the potential for profitability. Proper irrigation management also helps reduce the potential for runoff and reduce soil erosion and pesticide movement into surface and ground water.