Solute outputs from an irrigation area in Bardenas (Zaragoza)

Authors

  • T. Lasanta Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (CSIC)
  • M.C. Pérez Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (CSIC)
  • J. Machín Estación Experimental de Aula Dei. CSIC
  • A. Navas Estación Experimental de Aula Dei. CSIC
  • W. Mosch Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (CSIC)
  • M. Maestro Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (CSIC)

Keywords:

pérdida de sedimentos, solutos, regadío, ambiente semiárido, Bardenas, Depresión del Ebro

Abstract

In this work, we analyze the sediment output from an irrigation area located in a semi-arid environment in the Ebro Valley (Bardenas, Zaragoza). Our results show higher solute sediment and load in the waters exiting the irrigation area compared to the inputs waters. Changes in the suspended load are very small, and most of the increase corresponds to soluble salts. During the period of irrigation, solute concentration is lower than during the non-irrigation periods because of higher dilution. However, the total load output during the irrigation periods is greater because both the irrigation and the return flows are higher. Several solute sources have been identified related to different soil uses.

Published

2012-05-14

Issue

Section

Reasearch Papers