Question

What factors does the time and frequency of irrigation depend on?

Answer 1

It is generally true that forage yield increases when the water supply is controlled. In areas where rainfall is deficient or erratic this is obvious but even in areas where annual rainfall is sufficient, controlling the timing of the water is advantageous. But it is also costly so maximum benefits are only achieved when water is used efficiently. Efficient irrigation depends on a balance between the atmospheric and edaphic (soil) conditions. Atmospheric precipitation and evaporation play important roles as does the water-holding characteristics of the soil. The selected forage species will also add new characteristics that influence water utilization and efficiency, like root depth. A producer must be well acquainted with how these function on his/her land.

The following