A study was designed to measure air entrapment and consolidation as mechanisms that might contribute to reduced hydraulic conductivity with intermittent wetting similar to surge irrigation cycles. The changes in hydraulic conductivity with intermittent wetting would result in in®ltration rate changes. Air entrapment and consolidation in a surface layer sample of 50 mm was the focus of the study. During drainage periods between successive wettings, pressure head gradients within the surface layer samples were controlled to simulate drainage in a ®eld situation. Air entrapment was found to occur consistently with reduction in saturated hydraulic conductivity while consolidation was not as consistent in its response with changes in saturated hydraulic conductivity.

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Growers desire a better understanding of the effect of irrigation on lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) crop yield and quality. A randomized block design of irrigated and rain-fed plots was established in a lowbush blueberry field near the coast of Maine. The irrigated plots averaged 43% higher yield than rain-fed plots for the 2000-2001 production cycle. Irrigated plots had the highest yield three weeks after the highest yield for the rain-fed plots. Rain-fed berries had greater firmness, higher Brix solids and lower moisture content than irrigated berries for three different harvest dates. Berry size distribution was