Effect of a growing maize canopy on solid-set sprinkler irrigation: kinetic energy dissipation and water partitioning

The energy of sprinkler irrigation drops splashing on the soil surface or crop canopy depends their size and velocity. kinetic is a major factor degrading surface. effect growing maize drop dissipation water partitioning was analyzed. A field experiment performed solid-set irrigated plot cropped with maize. Measurements were at different locations heights into layout. Tests five heights. At each height, population characteristics pluviometry measured above below canopy. Drop an optical disdrometer. Catch-can devices used to measure pluviometry. Solid-set distributes quite homogeneously, but largely differ between layout locations. intensified as height increased. cover reduced diameter more than it As grew, its capacity intercept derive stemflow largest part by took place in top 1.5 m. fully developed reaching 13.6% that bare soil. management practice, sensitive soils systems applying high specific power, should be avoided.