The
focus is on modeling and measurement of precipitation- and irrigation-driven
watersheds from meter to kilometer scales. Interests extend to water and energy
conservation and to protection of the environment.
Understanding
the dynamic interaction between irrigation and drainage management technologies
and the quantity and quality of downstream regional groundwater is one key to
developing best management practices. Toward this end, data along a transect from the coast range foothills to the trough of
the valley floor are being studied to determine the effect of changing water
management practices.
It is
generally accepted that current and future irrigation management should focus
on practices that control percolation losses and salinity. Currently irrigation
practices are based on average soil characteristics for a field. By including
information on spatial and temporal variability of soil infiltration
characteristics, management practices could be further refined. A mathematical
model is being developed that will treat soil properties as stochastic, include
a surface and subsurface water flow model, and incorporate crop response to
soil and water quality and quantity. Field studies and modeling efforts are targeted
to reduce applied water and drainage within environmental and economic
constraints.