DETERMINATION OF THE APPROPRIATE IRRIGATION METHODS BASED ON SOIL ANALYSIS FOR UPLAND FIELDS IN MIE PREFECTURE OF JAPAN

Abstract

Inappropriate irrigation methods lead to loss much water in most upland fields worldwide. Land
suitability is one of the good management practices for determining appropriate irrigation methods in upland fields.
To determine land suitability, various soil experiments as determination of basic physical soil properties,
permeability, saturated hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture characteristics method are important. This study
was conducted on soil experiment with the aim to provide a detailed comprehensive understanding of soil
capabilities for applying certain irrigation methods in two upland fields, broccoli field (BF) and tomato field (TF),
in Mie prefecture of Japan. Soil physical structure properties, water holding capacity, and hydraulic properties
were determined using disturb and undisturbed soil samples on laboratory bases. The results obtained showed that
TF had deeper effective soil layer of 30 cm, better structure (more porosity, better pores connectivity, and
channeling), the water holding capacity of 0.082 mm mm-1
, and higher hydraulic conductivity, compared to BF. It
is concluded that TF is suitable for applying shallow surface irrigation method, while the BF have better response
on micro-irrigation methods which prevents water pounding in this fields. Application of this approach can
improve irrigation practices and efficiency and decreases water loses through accurate irrigation scheduling and
application management of irrigation water in upland field agriculture system, especially in dry areas.