Best management of pesticide — furrow irrigation systems

Effects of furrow irrigation designs, water management practices (irrigation scheduling, etc.), soil types and pesticide parameters on pesticide leaching were simulated. A hydraulic kinematic-wave irrigation model was used to estimate water infiltration for alternative furrow lengths and inflow rates. A one-dimensional simulation model then simulated the movement of pesticides through soils following furrow irrigation. Potential ground-water contamination by pesticides can be reduced by an integrated use of the best management practices (BMPs) such as careful selection and use of pesticides, efficient furrow irrigation designs and improved water management techniques (irrigation scheduling, etc.). Procedures for designing an appropriate furrow irrigation system for a particular site and pesticide, and selecting pesticides for a particular site, crop and furrow irrigation system are illustrated. These procedures are being used to develop decision support computer models for developing different BMPs for pesticide-agricultural management decisions.