Water Resources Professional Project Reports

Document Type

Technical Report

Publication Date

7-30-2007

Abstract

Deep percolation is the infiltration or flow of soil water by gravity below the maximum effective depth of the root zone (American 05). Deep percolation can be determined by taking field data to estimate soil water depletion using climatic data and aquifer water table draw down. This project investigated the dependence of each variable involved in a field water balance using procedures from the ASCE Manual 70 involving irrigation practices and field methods. From the water balance equation, the amount of deep percolation to the aquifer can be established. The objective of this project was to determine ground water depletions brought on by large capacity wells used for irrigation under center pivot irrigation systems in the Conejos River basin of southern Colorado. By designing a more extensive monitoring project that the land owner / water user can implement for ground water depletions in the future, actions taken by the area producers to decrease ground water depletions would have a positive impact on sustaining the ground water aquifer levels of the Conejos River Basin.

Language (ISO)

English

Keywords

deep percolation, soil water depletion

Comments

A Professional Project Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Water Resources, Water Resources Program, University of New Mexico.

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