Abstract

VAZQUEZ, Mabel; GELATI, Pablo  and  MILLAN, Guillermo. Complementary irrigation sustainability in Typic Udipsament and Entic Hapludol soils of Argentina. Rev. bras. eng. agríc. ambient. [online]. 2006, vol.10, n.3, pp. 593-603. ISSN 1807-1929.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-43662006000300009.

The complementary irrigation with high level of sodium in water leads to dispersive processes that deteriorate the porous space and therefore, other related properties. This could take place with low to medium levels of SAR of water, in coarse soil in which the illite is predominant in the clay fraction. It is hypothesized that irrigation may cause dispersive states in soils of medium to coarse texture under these circumstances, even with water containing low to medium levels of sodium and during short periods of use, compromising the sustainability of land production systems in the short term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of susceptibility to dispersion and the effect on the soil water retention and its hydraulic properties of two irrigated soils, Typic Udipsament and Entic Hapludol, respectively, in the Center-East and NortH^-West of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The soil water retention and the Atterberg's limits were higher under irrigated conditions in Typic Udipsament. The hydraulic conductivity decreased and the dispersion index was higher in the situation of irrigation in both soils. These results suggest the non sustainability of irrigation system evaluated.

Keywords : quality water; salinization; dispersion index.