Water Management in Horticultural Crops

Requirements of an ideal irrigated soil

1. 1.Sufficient depth of soil for the storage of irrigation water and penetration of roots is essential.
   
2. Provide proper air circulation to a suitable depth for the development of root system
   
3. Suitable for providing anchor for plant roots, more infiltration rate, resistant to soil erosion or soil depletion under the cropping system of plants.
4. Suitable for the use of agricultural implements.
5. Free from harmful concentration of soluble salts and Pathogens and promote beneficial organism
6. It should be fertile soil to supply nutrients for crop yield.
7. pH of the soil should be in the neutral range. Most irrigated soils have pH values ranging between 6.0 and 8.5. Soil productivity increases as pH approaches neutrality.