Natural and forced soil aeration during agricultural managed aquifer recharge

One of the suggested approaches to mitigate chronic groundwater depletion in California is agricultural managed aquifer recharge (Ag-MAR), which farmland flooded using excess surface water order underlying aquifer. Successful implementation Ag-MAR projects requires careful estimation soil aeration status, as prolonged saturated conditions rhizosphere can damage crops due O2 deficiency. We studied status under almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] trees and cover during at three sites differing drainage properties. Water application included several cycles (2–7) flooding durations (27–63 h) that varied according infiltration capacity each site. used redox potential quantifiers test impact forced by air-injection compared with natural aeration. Results suggest an average increase up 2% one site, whereas mixed was observed two other sites. Additionally, no on crop yield for growing season. further support demand if duration controlled rates. In large projects, might be useful improve local zones deficiency, are expected occur topographic irregularities spatial variability