Concerning "soaking into the ground", it does that ~ INITIALLY ~ and then it is sucked up by the plants. Much of it evaporates directly ~ that's why irrigation leaves behind salt damaged land.
I'm sorry, but none of that has anything to do with the factors I mentioned in my post.
First of all, irrigation has been taking place on a long term basis and it's effects are barely measureable on today's equipment. As I mentioned, we're talking about a factor that amounts to hundredths of one percent, at best. Micro-trivia! What is your point?
*Please excuse me for guessing, but this wouldn't happen to be your your day off, would it?
*