Drip Irrigation Research Articles

Sustainable Agriculture and It’s Practices: A Review

Sustainable agriculture, a holistic approach to farming, offers a promising solution to the global challenge of balancing food production with environmental preservation. Sustainability is based on the idea that we should fulfill current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to fulfill their requirements. It involves the farming practices that maintain the health of our land, water, and air while producing sufficient food necessary for the growing population. This comprehensive review explores diverse sustainable agricultural practices essential for balancing productivity, economic viability, and social equity. Key principles of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing environmental health, financial feasibility, and social justice, underpin a multifaceted approach. Permaculture, emphasizing biodiversity and ecosystem regeneration, aligns with nature’s principles. Crop rotation and diversification mitigate pests and diseases, and enhance soil health. Water management through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting optimizes water usage. Innovative practices including aquaponics, hydroponics, vertical farming, and agroforestry ensure year-round, efficient food production. Climate-smart agriculture adapts to climate change, while precision agriculture enhances resource efficiency. Organic farming, relying on natural processes, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. Challenges like excessive chemical usage, climate-related disruptions, and knowledge gaps persist despite promising outcomes. Overcoming these hurdles requires collaborative efforts, policy support, and education initiatives. Sustainable agriculture represents the path toward a resilient and food-secure future for our growing global population.

Assessment of Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) of Sorghum Irrigated by Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation Methods under Mediterranean Conditions

In recent years, subsurface drip irrigation has become increasingly important in view of the increasing drought. As it is a newly developed method, the effects of subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) and surface drip irrigation (SDI) need to be compared in terms of plant growth and yield parameters as well as water savings. The CWSI is an important index that indicates the water status in the plant and is closely related to yield and plant development parameters. The aim of the study is to compare the CWSI calculated with the SDI and SSDI methods in sorghum. The relationship between CWSI and physiological parameters (leaf number (LN), leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content (CC)), as well as bioethanol and juice yield are also evaluated in the study. The study was designed in a randomized complete block design to include two drip irrigation methods (SDI and SSDI) and five different irrigation treatments (I0, I25, I50, I75, and I100) in three replications in Antalya in 2017. The full irrigation treatment was applied when 40% of the available soil water capacity in the soil profile of 0-90 cm was depleted, while the deficit irrigation treatments were applied at 75%, 50% and 25% of the full irrigation treatment. Consequently, the upper limit value was calculated as 5.5oC and the lower limit equation was determined as Tc-Ta = -1.96*VPD-0.08 under Mediterranean conditions for the sorghum plant. Compared to the SDI treatments, lower CWSI values were calculated for the SSDI treatments. Additionally, it was determined that as the CWSI increased in sorghum, leaf number, leaf area index, and chlorophyll content values decreased and as a result, juice and bioethanol yield decreased. It was determined that there was a high level of exponential relationship and a strong negative correlation between CWSI-irrigation, CWSI-ET, CWSI-leaf number, CWSI-LAI, CWSI-CC, CWSI-Juice yield, CWSI-bioethanol yield, and CWSI-IWP for both irrigation methods in sorghum. Considering the lower CWSI and higher bioethanol yield, it was concluded that the SSDI method is more suitable for sorghum.

Energy Assessment in Rabi Sunflower under Varying Drip Irrigation Regimes and Fertigation Levels

Efficient Irrigation and Nutrient Management Strategies are Important for Sustainability of Agriculture. In order to elucidate the above hypothesis, an on-farm experiment was carried out at Water Technology Centre, PJTSAU, Hyderabad to study the effect of different combinations of drip irrigation regimes and fertigation levels on energy dynamics under Rabi sunflower. The experimental design was split-plot design and contained three replications for DRSH-1 sunflower variety. Three treatments of drip irrigation were compared as main plots (0.8 Epan, 1.0 Epan and 1.2 Epan base values of the Epan pan) and four levels of fertigation at the sub-plots (60%, 80%, 100% and 120% of the recommended dose). 75:90:30 kg NPK ha-1 was set for the fertilizer recommendation. Energy parameters: energy output, energy efficiency, net energy gain, energy profit, and energy intensity were assessed across treatment combinations. The findings indicated that peak energy consumption transpired under settings integrating 1.2 Epan irrigation with a 120% recommended dosage of N and K₂O fertigation. The optimal irrigation level was 1.0 Epan, which produced enhanced outcomes in energy output (102.6 GJ ha-1), use efficiency (5.02), and nett energy gains (90.1 GJ ha-1) relative to lower irrigation levels. The application of the full prescribed dose in fertigation treatments proved to be excellent, exhibiting exceptional performance across all energy metrics: output (105.6 GJ ha-1), usage efficiency (8.1), nett energy (92.5 GJ ha-1), profitability (0.223), and intensiveness (0.0022). Statistical study revealed no significant interaction between irrigation and fertigation treatments, indicating that these parameters independently affect energy efficiency indicators.

Studies on impact of different levels and frequencies of nitrogen fertigation on capsicum (Capsicum annuum) crop

Capsicum is a major nutrient-rich vegetable crop grown all over India. The drip irrigation method is the best suited for capsicum crop, particularly due to water scarcity. A study was carried out during 2019–20 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to examine the influence of three different nitrogen fertigation level (75, 100, and 125% RDN) and three different combinations of fertigation frequency i.e. with every irrigation, weekly and fortnightly, with drip irrigation on different parameters of capsicum crop. Urea was applied on the experimental fields as the major source of nitrogen. Fertigation level of 125% RDN applied with every irrigation (FF1FL3) obtained the highest fruit yield (178.4 q/ha), while the lowest yield (158.2 q/ha) was recorded with 75% RDN in FF1FL1 treatment. In comparison to fertigation frequency with every irrigation and 75% RDN, 33.7% and 34.5% more yield was obtained in 100 and 125% RDN treatment. Average plant height, fruit width, fruit length, fruits/plant, and fruit weight were found maximum at 125% RDN, followed by 100% RDN under with every irrigation. The experiment results showed that the highest water use efficiency (3.7 kg/m3) was obtained with treatment FF1FL3, while lowest (3.2 kg/m3) was found in FF3FL1 treatment. However, the treatment with 75% RDN with every irrigation fertigation frequency showed maximum nitrogen use efficiency (134.8). The nitrogen use efficiency increased when the nitrogen fertigation level decreased from 125–75%.

Effects of Cyclic Aeration Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Greenhouse Tomato Quality and Water and Fertilizer Use Efficiency.

Tomato (Jinglu 6335) was selected for assessing the impact of varying fertilizer (F:N-P2O5-K2O) and aeration rates on crop quality, as well as water and fertilizer utilization efficiency during the cyclic aeration subsurface drip irrigation process. Four aeration treatments (O1, O2, O3, and S, representing aeration ratios of 16.25%, 14.58%, 11.79%, and non-aerated treatment, respectively) and three fertilizer applications (F1: 240-120-150 kg/hm2, F2: 180-90-112.5 kg/hm2, F3: 120-60-75 kg/hm2) were compared in a total of 12 treatments in this study. This study revealed that cyclic aerated drip irrigation improved the fruit quality. The aerated treatment resulted in increased accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with the level of aeration positively correlating with the increase in nutrient accumulation, reaching the highest values in the high aeration irrigation treatment. The highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and water use efficiency occurred under the medium fertilizer with high aeration treatment. The maximum partial productivity of the fertilizer occurred under the low fertilizer with high aeration treatment, while the minimum occurred in the high fertilizer with non-aerated treatment. Taking all factors into consideration, the high-aeration and medium-fertilizer treatment was the most effective combination for greenhouse tomatoes under the conditions in this experiment.

The potential role of nano-calcium and boron in increasing mango fruits productivity, quality and antioxidant content

This investigation was undertaken to study the effect of nano-calcium and boron foliar fertilization on Zebda mango productivity and fruit quality. A field experiment was conducted using 15 years old productive mango (Mangifera indica) trees (cv. Zebda). The trees were grown at AlMalak Valley Farm, El-Sharkeya Governorate-Egypt. Trees were grown in sandy soil under a drip irrigation system using the Nile water. Treatments included 3 concentrations of boron (foliar at 0.00, 150, 250 mg L−1), 3 concentrations of foliar nano-calcium (25%, 50%, 100% of the recommended rate). Convention calcium was used as the control treatment and applied to the soil and as a foliar spray at 100% of the recommended rate. Trees were arranged in a Completely Randomized Block Design with 3 replicates. Results demonstrated that foliar spray of Zebda mango trees with the combined treatment (250 mg L−1 B + 50% nano-calcium of the recommended rate) achieved the highest yield (159 kg/tree) and fruit quality criteria. The previous treatment recorded a fruit yield of 300% over the control. While the control treatment achieved only a small yield (39.5 kg/tree). Higher fruit quality was reflected in fruits being firmer; higher in total soluble solids; lower in acidity; higher in antioxidant content (total flavonoids, total carotenoids, vitamin C) but lower in total acidity and total phenols content than the control. Nano calcium proves to be more efficient as a fertilizer than convention calcium.

BIMBINGAN TEKNIS SISTEM IRIGASI TETES WILAYAH POKJA KARANGLO INDAH, KECAMATAN BLIMBING, KOTA MALANG

Vegetable crops need sufficient water to support growth. Lack or excess of water will cause stunted growth and even death of plants due to dryness or root rot. Appropriate irrigation technique is the key success in cultivating vegetable crops. Kelompok Kerja (Pokja) RT 01 RW 04, Karanglo Indah has a work program, namely women empowerment in supporting family food availability, by cultivating vegetables in the house yard. The problem is in watering. Technical guidance is provided through presentation, discussion and demonstration activities. Presentation and discussion aim to increase knowledge and comprehension of irrigation systems, equipment procurement, installation procedures, operating and maintenance procedures for drip irrigation. The demonstration aims to improve skills in carrying out procedures that have been presented in the presentation and discussion. The results obtained are increased knowledge, comprehension and skills for implementing drip irrigation so that better quality vegetables are produced.

Effect of Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Soil Desalination and Soil Fungal Communities in Saline–Alkaline Sunflower Fields

Effect of Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Soil Desalination and Soil Fungal Communities in Saline–Alkaline Sunflower Fields

Study on the cumulative effect of drip irrigation on the stability of loess slopes

Infiltration of irrigation water is an important factor affecting the stability of loess slopes. In this study, based on the Green-Ampt infiltration model. We analysed the cumulative effect of drip irrigation on the stability of loess slope through an indoor cumulative drip-irrigation infiltration test with a single-point source, which was combined with the Geo-Studio finite-element software. Our results show that: (1) infiltration of drip irrigation in loess slopes has an obvious cumulative phenomenon. The depth of infiltration and volumetric water content of underlying soil increase with increasing cumulative number of drip irrigation; (2) the infiltration time calculated by the classical and improved Green-Ampt infiltration models is more in line with the experimental results, with errors ranging from 4 to 11%. (3) Short-term 3-day drip irrigation creates a layer of infiltration area on the slope surface. The safety coefficient of the slope body is reduced by 0.01, which has less impact on the slope. Long-term 3-year drip irrigation increased the volumetric water content of the entire slope, and decreased the safety coefficient by 0.91, which had a greater impact on the slope. Our results have important scientific significance slope-disaster warnings, and prevention in loess areas.

The daily minimum leaf turgor pressure can represent the water status of apple trees under drip irrigation.

Accurate diagnosis of the water status of fruit trees is a prerequisite for precise irrigation. Measurement of leaf turgor pressure provides a means to explore the water utilization mechanisms of fruit trees and their responses to water stress. However, there are few studies on the use of daily minimum leaf turgor pressure (Ppmax) to indicate water information in apple tree. We monitored Ppmax, stem flow rate (Vstem), leaf water potential, soil water, and the main meteorological factors under two drip irrigation levels (fully irrigated and under-irrigated) to elucidate the temporal dynamics of the daily leaf turgor minimum of apple trees and diagnose the water status of fruit trees. The results showed that soil water deficiency could reduce leaf turgor pressure and increase Ppmax. In both years, the signal intensity and sensitivity of Ppmax were better than those of Vstem, and the sensitivity was 3.31 and 2.94 times of Vstem, respectively. Compared to Ppmax, Vstem had a higher correlation with meteorological factors and was more affected by meteorological conditions, independent of irrigation treatment. Ppmax was significantly negatively correlated with soil and leaf water potential, and its correlation coefficient was 2.58-4.89 times higher than that between Vstem and both. These results not only enhance our understanding of the water regulation strategies employed by apple trees under drought conditions but also provide a theoretical foundation for developing efficient water-saving practices and precision irrigation strategies for fruit trees.

Effects of Seven-Year-Optimized Irrigation and Nitrogen Management on Dynamics of Soil Organic Nitrogen Fractions, Soil Properties, and Crop Growth in Greenhouse Production

Exploring the temporal evolution dynamics of different soil organic nitrogen (N) components under different water–N management practices is a useful approach to accurately assessing N supply and soil fertility. This information can provide a scientific basis for precise water and N management methods for greenhouse vegetable production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of optimized irrigation and nitrogen management on the dynamics of soil organic nitrogen fractions, soil properties, and crop growth. This research was conducted from 2017 to 2023 in a greenhouse vegetable field in North China. Four treatments were applied: (1) high chemical N application with furrow irrigation (farmers’ practice, FP); (2) no chemical N application with drip irrigation (DN0); (3) 50% N of FP with drip irrigation (DN1); and (4) 75% N of FP with drip irrigation (DN2). The volume in drip irrigation is 70% of that in furrow irrigation. The results showed that in 2023 (after seven years of field trials), compared with FP, the soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, and water use efficiency of the DN1 and DN2 treatments increased by 15.9%, 11.4%, and 11.3% and 7.7%, 47.2% and 44.6%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the total crop yield except in the DN0 treatment. Soil organic N was mostly in the form of acid-hydrolyzed N (AHN). After seven years of optimized irrigation and N management, the DN1 treatment significantly increased the content of ammonium N (AN) and amino sugar N (ASN) in AHN compared with the FP treatment. The results of further analysis demonstrated that SOC was the main factor in regulating AHN and non-hydrolyzable N (NHN), while the main regulatory factors for amino acid N (AAN) and ASN in the AHN component were dry biomass and water use efficiency, respectively. From a time scale perspective, optimization of the water and N scheduling, especially in DN1 (reducing the total irrigation volume by 30% and the amount of N applied by 50%), is crucial for the sustainable improvement of soil fertility and the maintenance of vegetable production.

Analisis Manajemen Produksi Pertanian Hidroponik Berbasis IoT (Internet of Things) di Wisata Edukasi Arjuna Farm Kecamatan Tamansari Kota Tasikmalaya

The tourism sector in Indonesia is growing rapidly thanks to the abundant natural, social, cultural and regional potential. One educational tourist attraction that is currently developing is Arjuna Farm in Tasikmalaya City, which offers the concept of integrating the agricultural and fisheries sectors with the application of IoT (Internet of Things) technology. This research aims to analyze the application of IoT technology to support hydroponic production management at Arjuna Farm, especially in increasing the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of agricultural products. The research used a case study approach with a qualitative descriptive method, involving direct observation, in-depth interviews with the main managers (Mr. Andi and Mrs. Selvi), as well as analysis of secondary data from various literary sources. The research location was chosen by purposive sampling, located at Jalan Situ Cibereum, Tamanjaya, Tamansari, Tasikmalaya City, during November 2024. The research results show that POAC (Planning, Organizing, Actuating and Controlling) based management is implemented well, supported by IoT systems such as automatic watering, drip irrigation. This technology enables efficient and real-time production management, thereby maintaining the quality and sustainability of harvests, as well as increasing the attractiveness of Arjuna Farm as an educational tourist attraction based on modern technology.

Profitability of Maize and Groundnut Crop Production under Different Irrigation Systems with Varied Irrigation and Nitrogen Level Application in Southern India

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of irrigation systems, irrigation, and N levels on the economics of maize and groundnut during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJT Agricultural University, Hyderabad. The experiment consisted of 18 treatment combinations (3 irrigation systems as the main plot, 3 irrigation levels as the sub-plot, and 2 nitrogen levels as the sub-sub-plot) in a split plot design replicated thrice. The experiment revealed that among irrigation systems, irrigation, and N levels in both crops (maize and groundnut) significantly higher gross returns, net returns, and BCR were recorded with M2 (sub-surface irrigation system), S1 (1.2 Epan; IW/CPE) and N1 (100 percent RDN). In both crops, the interaction between irrigation system and irrigation levels (M x S) revealed significantly higher returns and BCR with sub-surface drip irrigation levels@ 1.2 Epan & 0.9 Epan ratios (M2S1 and M2S2) followed by surface drip irrigation levels @ 1.2 Epan & 0.9 Epan ratios (M1S1 and M1S2), surface irrigation @ 1.2 IW/CPE ratio (M3S1). In contrast, surface irrigation @ 0.6 IW/CPE ratio (M3S3) resulted in the least returns and BCR during both the years. The interaction effects of irrigation systems and N levels (M x N), irrigation, and N levels (S x N) were non-significant in the groundnut crop whereas they were significant in maize crop. The M2N1 recorded significantly higher mean gross returns (₹. 1,46,852 ha-1), net returns (₹. 90,960 ha-1), and BCR (2.62) whereas M3N2 recorded the lowest mean gross return (₹. 97,052 ha-1), net return (₹. 45,305 ha-1) and BCR (1.87). Among S x N interaction effects, the S1N1 (1.2 Epan; IW/CPE with 100 percent RDN) resulted in significantly higher gross returns (₹. 1,44,385 ha-1), net returns (₹. 89,256 ha-1) and BCR (2.61) followed by S2N1. In contrast, S3N2 resulted in significantly least returns and BCR. The interaction effects of irrigation systems, irrigation, and N levels (M x S x N) were non-significant in the groundnut crop while showing a significant impact on the economics of maize. The sub-surface irrigation system (M2) with 1.2 Epan (S1) and 100 percent RDN (N1) recorded significantly higher mean gross returns (₹. 1,58,749 ha-1), net return (₹. 1,10,243 ha-1) and BCR (2.82) followed by M2S2N1 (₹. 1,56,106 ha-1, ₹. 1,14,542 ha-1 and 2.79), M1S1N1 and M1S2N1 while M3S3N2 (surface irrigation system with 0.6 IW/CPE and 75 per cent RDN) recorded least mean gross returns (₹. 65,253 ha-1), net returns (₹. 14,106 ha-1) and BCR (1.28) thus making it the least remunerative among all treatment combinations studied.

Nutrient Uptake of the Individual Crops in Maize and Groundnut Cropping System Grown under Different Irrigation Systems with Varied Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of irrigation systems, irrigation and N levels on nutrient uptake of rabi maize and summer groundnut during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTAU, Hyderabad. The experiment composed of 18 treatment combinations (3 irrigation systems as main plot, 3 irrigation levels as sub-plot and 2 nitrogen levels as sub-sub-plot) in a split plot design replicated thrice. The study revealed that irrigation systems, irrigation and N levels and the interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels influenced the nutrient uptake of maize and groundnut crops during both the years of experimentation. Significantly higher NPK uptake was observed with sub-surface drip irrigation (M2), irrigation level at 1.2 Epan;IW/CPE (S1) and N level at 100 per cent RDN (N1). The interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels (M x S) was significant while the interaction of N levels with irrigation systems (M x N) and irrigation levels (N x S) was not significant for both rabi maize and summer groundnut. The interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels revealed that in both maize and groundnut crops at earlier crop growth period the M3S1 (surface irrigation with 1.2 IW/CPE) resulted in significantly higher NPK uptake followed by M2S1 and M2S2 (sub-surface drip irrigation with 1.2 and 0.9 Epan). However at later crop growth stages due to prolonged fertigation schedules in micro irrigation systems, the higher NPK uptake was observed with M2S1 and M2S2 followed by surface drip irrigation system with 1.2 Epan (M1S1) and surface irrigation system with 1.2 IW/CPE (M3S1) while M3S3 resulted in lowest NPK uptake at all crop stages and in grains & stover/haulm during both the consecutive years (2021-22 and 2022-23).

Sustainability assessment of solar‐powered drip irrigation for sugarcane in Egypt: A water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus perspective

AbstractThis study investigates the adoption of solar‐powered drip irrigation systems in Egypt's sugarcane agriculture, analyzing the potential for improved sustainability through the water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. Located in Qena Governorate, the research utilizes the Q‐Nexus model to compare traditional diesel‐powered irrigation with solar‐powered drip irrigation, focusing on their impacts on resource efficiency, agricultural productivity, and environmental services. Through a comprehensive methodological framework that incorporates input–output analysis, the interactions between water, energy, food production, and ecosystem services were quantified. Primary data was gathered from field interviews and surveys, supplemented by national agricultural statistics, enabling a detailed scenario analysis of current and sustainable practices. These scenarios were then used to assess the potential implications for water and energy conservation, emissions reduction, and overall sustainability. Results demonstrate significant benefits of solar‐powered drip irrigation, including a 48% reduction in water usage and a 93% decrease in diesel fuel consumption compared to diesel‐powered surface irrigation. Additionally, this approach resulted in a 34% reduction in labor and a 55% decrease in fertilizer use, while increasing sugarcane yield by 16%. Environmentally, the shift to solar‐powered systems drastically lowered greenhouse gas emissions and reduced toxicity from fertilizer runoff, underscoring the potential for enhancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency. Conclusively, the findings support the viability of integrating solar‐powered drip irrigation systems in Egyptian agriculture as a sustainable solution to improve resource efficiency, enhance productivity, and minimize environmental impacts. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable agriculture by providing empirical evidence of the economic and ecological benefits of adopting advanced irrigation and energy technologies. Recommendations for policy include investment in infrastructure, subsidies for sustainable technologies, and farmer training to promote widespread adoption. Future research directions should explore the scalability of such systems and their long‐term impacts on soil health and biodiversity.HIGHLIGHTS Resource efficiency and productivity improvement: The water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus assessment shows that solar‐powered drip irrigation in Egypt's sugarcane agriculture can potentially reduce water usage by 48%, diesel fuel consumption by 93%, and increase sugarcane yield by 16%, significantly improving resource efficiency and agricultural productivity. Environmental and economic benefits: The shift to solar‐powered irrigation systems can potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce labor by 34%, and decrease fertilizer use by 55%, minimizing toxicity from runoff and enhancing environmental sustainability while achieving cost savings. Policy and implementation recommendations: To support the WEFE nexus and encourage widespread adoption, investment in infrastructure, subsidies for sustainable technologies, and comprehensive farmer training are crucial. This study highlights the need for policies that integrate advanced irrigation and energy technologies to achieve sustainable agriculture.

Yield Comparison of Three Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Varieties Cultivated with Dutch Bucket and Drip Irrigation Systems

Melon is one of the horticultural commodities with considerable economic potential. Cultivation through hydroponic systems can provide efficiency and increase production if complemented by superior varieties. This study aims to identify the best hydroponic system and melon variety combination with the highest yield. The research was conducted from November 2023 to April 2024 at the screen house in Pasir Kulon Village, Karanglewas District, Banyumas Regency, at 110 m above sea level. The study used a split-plot factorial design with a basic design of a Completely Randomized Block Design. The first factor was the hydroponic system, consisting of S1 = Dutch bucket and S2 = drip irrigation. The second factor was the variety, consisting of V1 = Golden Aroma, V2 = Rangipo, and V3 = Sweet Net. The results showed that the best yield was found in the Dutch bucket system and the Golden Aroma variety, with a fruit flesh thickness of 3.3 cm and a total soluble solids content of 17.18 °Brix.

Comparative analysis of precision, deficit, and drip irrigation for water efficiency in Iraq

Sustainable irrigation practices are critical for addressing the challenges of water scarcity and food insecurity in the face of climate change and growing global food demand. This study investigated the potential of precision irrigation (PI), deficit irrigation (DI), and drip irrigation (DRI) techniques to enhance crop productivity and water use efficiency (WUE) compared to conventional flood irrigation (CFI) in three distinct agroecological zones of Iraq. Field experiments were conducted using a randomised complete block design with wheat, maize, and rice crops. The results demonstrated that PI significantly increased crop growth parameters, grain yield, and WUE across all zones, with yield improvements of 33–38% and WUE increases of 46–51% in contrast with CFI. The DI and DRI treatments also outperformed CFI, albeit to a lesser extent. Remote sensing-derived vegetation indices strongly correlated with crop growth parameters and yield, while hydrological modelling revealed reduced evapotranspiration and surface runoff under the PI treatment. The sustainable irrigation practices resulted in substantial water savings of 20–30% compared to CFI. These findings highlight the importance of adopting efficient irrigation techniques, along with a holistic approach encompassing technological innovations, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, to promote water- efficient agriculture and ensure food security in water-scarce regions.

Optimizing Irrigation Strategies to Improve Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Drip-Irrigated Maize in Southern Xinjiang

The contradiction between increased irrigation demand and water scarcity in arid regions has become more acute for crops as a result of global climate change. This highlights the urgent need to improve crop water use efficiency. In this study, four irrigation volumes were established for drip-irrigated maize under plastic mulch: 2145 m3 ha−1 (W1), 2685 m3 ha−1 (W2), 3360 m3 ha−1 (W3), and 4200 m3 ha−1 (W4). The effects of these volumes on soil moisture, maize growth, water consumption, crop coefficients, and yield were analyzed. The results showed that increasing the irrigation volume led to a 2.86% to 8.71% increase in soil moisture content, a 24.56% to 47.41% increase in water consumption, and a 3.43% to 35% increase in the crop coefficient. Maize plant height increased by 16.34% to 42.38%, ear height by 16.85% to 51.01%, ear length by 2.43% to 28.13%, and yield by 16.96% to 39.24%. Additionally, soil temperature was reduced by 1.67% to 5.67%, and the maize bald tip length decreased by 6.62% to 48%. The irrigation water use efficiency improved by 6.57% to 28.89%. A comprehensive evaluation using the TOPSIS method demonstrated that 3360 m3 ha−1 of irrigation water was an effective irrigation strategy for increasing maize yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch in the southern border area. Compared to 4200 m3 ha−1, this strategy saved 840 m3 ha−1 of irrigation water, increased the irrigation water use efficiency by 23.96%, and resulted in only a 0.84% decrease in yield. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing production benefits in the context of limited water resources.

Impact of Irrigation and Fertigation Schedules on Physical and Biochemical Properties of Apple Under High-Density Plantation

ABSTRACT Over the 2-year period of study (2019–2020), the impact of different irrigation and fertigation schedules on the physical and biochemical properties of apple under high-density plantation was investigated. The quality of fruits is considerably influenced by irrigation and fertigation. Drip fertigation levels unveiled significant effect on fruit length (65.43 mm), fruit breadth (72.32 mm), and fruit weight (187.53 g). The application of 100% ETc with 100% AD (NPK) during fertigation enhanced both fruit size and weight. Under uniform application of water, photosynthesis increased, which improved the assimilate partitioning. Growth hormones, including cytokinins, gibberellins, and auxins, are generated at optimal and uniform nutrient distribution, which promotes nutrients uptake and assimilates water translocation, resulting in increased fruit size and weight. Drip irrigation and fertigation treatments produced fruits with better color. A higher dose of NPK applied via drip fertigation system produced higher levels of anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content in fruits over conventional approaches. Merging new orchard designs with a high-coloring strain of an apple cultivar and more efficient irrigation and fertigation systems results in higher productivity with better fruit quality and less water consumption.

Yield Response of Greenhouse Grown Grafted Eggplant to Partial Root Drying and Conventional Deficit Irrigation

The potential reactions of grafted and ungrafted eggplant plants under different irrigation water levels (100%, 80%, 60% and 40%) with the use of the “conventional and deficit irrigation” and “partial root drying (PRD)” technique were investigated in this study. The research was conducted in a glass greenhouse during two cultivation seasons in 2019 and 2020. Irrigation was applied equally to both grafted and non-grafted eggplant plants using the drip irrigation method. Many observations and measurements were made in the research to determine the reactions of grafted and ungrafted eggplant plants under different irrigation applications. It was found in the study that the method and amount of irrigation water applied had a significant effect on the grafted and ungrafted eggplant plants. In general, grafted eggplant plants were found to have had a higher total yield than the ungrafted plants. However, as the amount of irrigation water applied decreased, the yield also decreased. The advantages of the PRD technique over “conventional and deficit irrigation” have also been revealed. As a result of the research, it could be recommended that the cultivation of grafted eggplant seedlings is more suitable, and irrigation applications could be carried out using the “partial root drying (PRD)” technique.