Flushing the soil with lots of water usually dissolves and washes the salts from the soil. Unfortunately, the salts then end up back in the water system. Proper water scheduling can help reduce the likelihood of salinization. Pesticides, Herbicides and Fertilizers Top Pesticides, herbicides and inorganic fertilizers can end up in streams and ground water when they are flushed out of the soil. Proper water scheduling reduces runoff, therefore decreasing the probability that pesticides, herbicides and inorganic fertilizers will leach or wash out of the soil.
Organic amendments are a safer but more expensive way to fertilize crops than inorganic ones.
They are safe and effective if used correctly. Organic amendments do not leach or wash out of soil as readily as inorganic ones. Final Comments Top Moving into the 21st century, feeding the growing population of the planet is of much concern. Sustainable practices like drip irrigation and use of water scheduling can alleviate the stress put on our water and soils. Eastern Washington is not a hotbed for sustainable agriculture nor progressive irrigation technology.