Response of tall fescue to saline water as influenced by leaching fractions and irrigation uniformity distributions
Research was conducted to determine the impact leaching fractions (LF = drainage volume divided by irrigation volume) and irrigation uniformity distributions have on the response of tall fescue to irrigation with saline water. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. 'Monarch') was grown in 18 plots, each with a centrally located lysimeter that enabled estimates of evapotranspiration and irrigation requirements. Imposed treatments included setting LFs at 0.05, 0.15, or 0.25 and manipulating plot irrigation systems such that Christiansen Uniformity Coefficients (CUC) were set at 0.65, 0.75, or 0.85. Saline irrigation water (2.5 dS m{dollar}\sp{-1}{dollar}) was applied for an 18-month period. Significant LF x CUC interactions were observed for depth-weighted soil salinity, yield, ET, tissue moisture content and canopy temperatures. Results suggest that plant response can be maintained when the LF is lowered, within limits, if the CUC is kept high.
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