CONSUMPTIVE USE OF WATER BY FORAGE CROPS IN THE UPPER KOOTENAY RIVER VALLEY

Abstract

Consumptive use of water for alfalfa and grass was determined on Saha silt loam, a major soil of the upper Kootenay River Valley in British Columbia. Four irrigation levels, based on 0.42, 0.70, 0.83, and 1.00 times evaporation from a 4-foot buried evaporation pan, were employed. The average consumptive use of water at the highest yields obtained was 24 inches for alfalfa and 23 inches for pasture grass. Irrigation levels based on 0.83 to 1.00 times evaporation gave the highest yields.