Drip Irrigation to Revegetate Mine Wastes in an Arid Environment

Abstract

Drip irrigation may be an efficient and effective technique for revegetation of steep slopes in an arid environment. Where supplemental irrigation may be necessary for plant establishment, drip irrigation offers many advantages. There is less hazard of runoff and erosion on steep slopes; excessive salts and phytotoxins can be leached from the root zones; it is adaptable to remote areas without pressurized water systems; it conserves water where water is costly or scarce; and it helps to promote deep root growth and better plant development. Drip irrigation may be a very valuable tool for the reclamation engineer to select as a technique needed to meet his particular revegetation needs.