COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCE

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE

COURCE TITLE: Principles and practices of Irrigation

COURCE CODE: PlSc371

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

No NAME ID

1 SURAFEL FANTAYE 4711/21

2 TOMAS TALEMOS 2465/21
3 ASMARECH WALE 1414/21
4 EMEBET TSEGAYE 1635/20
5 AKIMEL LERA 9660/21
6 ASRAT DANIEL 9688/21

SUBMITTED TO: Alem. A

SUBMITTED DATE:18/4/2016

1
 Moisture content on volume basis into depth basis:
o The text states that the square meter units used to express area can be cancelled from
any equation dealing with percent water by volume, since water is distributed across
the same cross-sectional area as the soil. This means that when calculating the
moisture content in terms of depth, the area factor can be eliminated. The amount of
water present in the soil can then be expressed simply in terms of depth.
1. The simplest way to calculate this is to multiply the unit depth of soil
by the volume percentage of water and divide by 100%:
o To calculate the moisture content on a depth basis, you need to have the unit depth of
the soil and the volume percentage of water. Multiply the unit depth of the soil by the
volume percentage of water and divide the result by 100%. This will give you the
moisture content in terms of depth.
2. Soil water classification:
o The text mentions that there are three kinds of soil water. These are:
a. Gravitational/Free water:
Gravitational water refers to the part of soil water that moves through soil
interstices under gravity. It is the water in the soil macro pores that moves
downward freely under the influence of gravity.
Definition of calculation part terms
1) SMC (weight):
SMC stands for Soil Moisture Content. The SMC (weight) can be calculated using the
formula: (Weight of water / Weight of dry soil) * 100%. Here, the weight of water is the
difference between the weight of moist soil and the weight of dry soil.
2) Dry bulk density:
Dry bulk density represents the mass of dry soil per unit volume. It can be calculated
using the formula: Dry bulk density = Weight of dry soil / Volume of soil.
3) ASG(apparent specific gravity of dry soil)
Apparent specific of dry soil is the ratio of the dry bulk density of soil to density of water
4) SMC (volume): SMC (volume) represents the soil moisture content on a volume basis.
It can be calculated using the formula: (Volume of water / Volume of soil) * 100%.
Here, the volume of water is the difference between the original volume of moist soil
and the volume of soil after oven drying.

2
 #Assume that 60cm3 of soil moist has been collected an found 100gm if weight 85gm after
air drying and 80gm after over drying collected then find

1. SMC (weight)
2. Dry-bulk density
3. ASG dry
4. SMC (Volumeter)
5. SMC(Depth)

Solution for these questions

1.SMC (weight)=ϴw= SMC (weight)= weight of moist unit-weight of oven dry soil *100%

Weight of oven dry soil

100−80
SMC (Weight) = ×100 %
80
20
SMC (Weight) = × 100 %=25 %
80
2. Dry bulk density
Ovendry weight of soil
DBD=
volume of soil
80 gm 4
DBD= = ≈ 1.33 g /¿ cm3
6 Ocm 3 3
1.33 g /cm3
3. ASG dry= =1.33
1 g /cm3
ASG dry=1.33
4. SMC (volume %) =25%×1.33
SMC (v/v %) =33.25=33%
1m ×33 %
5.SMC (on depth) = =0.33 mof water depth of soil
100 %

3
 Soil moisture constant
 Maintaining consistent soil moisture is crucial for the health and vitality of plants, as it
directly impacts their growth, development, and overall well-being. Here are several key
considerations and methods for achieving and maintaining consistent soil moisture:

1) Monitoring and Measurement: Regularly monitor the moisture content of the soil
using a moisture meter or by manually assessing the soil's moisture level. This can help
you determine when and how much to water, ensuring that moisture levels remain
consistent.

2) Watering Practices: Establish a regular watering schedule based on the specific needs
of the plants, the soil type, and the prevailing weather conditions. Water deeply and
infrequently to encourage the development of deep roots that can access water stored in
the lower layers of the soil.

3) Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or compost, to
the soil surface around plants. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture by reducing
evaporation, regulating soil temperature, and inhibiting weed growth, thus contributing
to consistent soil moisture levels.

4) Proper Drainage: Ensure that the soil has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging,
which can lead to root rot and other issues. Incorporating organic matter into the soil
can improve its structure and drainage, promoting better water retention and aeration.

5) Micro-irrigation Systems: Consider using micro-irrigation systems such as soaker

hoses or drip irrigation, which deliver water directly to the root zone of plants. These
systems can help maintain consistent soil moisture while minimizing water waste
through evaporation and runoff.

4
 6) Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and using rainwater for irrigation can contribute to
consistent soil moisture by providing a natural and sustainable water source for your
plants.

7) Adaptation to Plant Needs: Different plants have varying moisture requirements, so

it's important to select and group plants with similar water needs together in your
garden or landscape. This allows for more targeted watering practices, promoting
consistent soil moisture for each grouping.

N.B By employing these practices, you can help ensure that your soil maintains consistent
moisture levels, providing an optimal growing environment for your plants and contributing to
their overall health and vitality.

The state of soil water

 The energy state of soil water refers to the potential and kinetic energy associated with water
molecules in the soil. Briefly, soil water exists in different energy states, primarily
influenced by the forces of gravity, matric potential, osmotic potential, and pressure
potential.

1) Gravitational Potential: This refers to the energy associated with water moving under
the force of gravity. When soil is saturated, gravitational potential is high, and water
freely drains through the soil. Conversely, in unsaturated soil, gravitational potential
energy is reduced, and water movement is influenced by other forces.

2) Matric Potential: Matric potential arises from the attractive forces between water
molecules and soil particles. In drier soils, water is held tightly by capillary action,
creating a negative matric potential. This energy state reflects the force required to pull
water from the soil due to capillary action.

3) Osmotic Potential: This relates to the energy associated with water movement due to
differences in solute concentration between the soil and plant roots. It influences the
movement of water into plant roots from the soil solution.

5
 4) Pressure Potential: Pressure potential occurs when water is under positive or negative
pressure due to external factors, such as compaction or plant root uptake. Positive
pressure potential occurs in saturated soils, while negative pressure potential is found in
unsaturated soils and during plant water uptake.

N.B Understanding the energy state of soil water is crucial for managing irrigation, water
movement, and plant water uptake in agricultural, horticultural, and environmental contexts. It
informs the assessment of soil water availability and helps in optimizing water management
strategies for crop growth and ecosystem health.