Aims: This regional study evaluates the effect of irrigation on soil physical properties in topsoil and subsoil, under modern pastoral grazing and sprinkler irrigation, across Canterbury, New Zealand.
Methods: Paired sites were sampled, consisting of a spray-irrigated paddock (field) and an adjoined part of the same paddock that was dryland (unirrigated), with other management the same for each pair.
Key results: Under irrigation there was a shift towards a greater abundance of smaller pores. This was reflected in macroporosity and readily available water capacity being significantly lower under irrigation, while semi-available water capacity and unavailable water held below permanent wilting point both increased.
The Paper can be accessed here or via the attached pdf