WSP06806

• File Number: 8276.450
• Description: McElmo Creek Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 5/1/1982
• Title: Possible Improvements for Onfarm Irrigation Systems to Reduce Salinity
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

Description of Plan Formulation

MAY 1982

Onfarm salt loading is caused by seepage and deep percolation of

irrigation water into and through saline aquifers. Practices that can

reduce seepage and deep percolation and the associated salt load are

summarized in Table 11-1 and form the basis for plan formulation.

TABLE 11-1 SOURCE OF UNFARM SALT LOADING
AND PRACTICES FOR ATTAINING SALT LOAD REDUCTION.
McELMO CREEK SALINITY CUNTROL STUDY, COLORADO

'CAUSE

APPLICA6LE PRACTICES
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURAL

See page:
Onfarm ditches

Tailwater Runoff

Deep percolation and
non-uniform
application of
irrigation water

Inefficient layout of
fields and irrigation
systems.

Adjust the time of set,
number and frequency of
irrigations.

Adjust the flow rate,
the time of set, the
number and frequency
of irrigations. Change
to more efficient method
of irrigation.

Adjust the number of
irrigations, the time of
set, and flow rate.
Change to more efficient
method of irrigation.

Combine fields or change
to more efficent method
of irrigation.

II-6

Install ditch lining or
pipelines and
appurtenant structures.

Install lined and un-
lined tailwater
collection ditches or
lined ponds.

Install water measuring
devices, land smoothing,
and automated timing
devices. Change to
border, drip or
sprinkler methods of
irrigation.

Close existing open
drains. Relocate
pipelines and ditches.
Change to border,
drip or sprinkler
methods of irrigation.

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