Subsurface Drip Irrigation System Research Articles

Predição da distribuição espacial da água aplicada por gotejamento subsuperficial em solo argiloso

ABSTRACT In subsurface drip irrigation systems, knowledge of the three-dimensional advancement of water in the soil is essential for selecting emitter spacing and installation depth. This research aimed to develop and test different mathematical models to estimate water distribution in the soil under subsurface drip irrigation. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The experimental arrangement was of split-plot in time, with different dripper installation depths in the plots (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm) and in the subplots irrigation application times (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min). Three models (SLIDE 6.0, polynomial regression, and SPSS 2.0) were constructed to estimate the water distribution in the soil profile. All models showed statistical indexes within acceptable ranges. In comparison, the model generated in the numerical software SLIDE 6.0 was the one that presented the best performance, followed by SPSS 2.0 and polynomial regression. The generated models were efficient and simple, producing good results in predicting the water distribution in the soil profile under the studied conditions.

Impacts on Soil and Cowpea Plants Fertigated with Sanitary Sewage through Subsurface Drip Irrigation

The application of sanitary sewage using subsurface drip irrigation can mitigate current challenges related to water availability and food production. However, before implementing these techniques, it is crucial to conduct studies to assess their impacts on soil and plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate chemical changes in the soil and the development of cowpeas subjected to sanitary sewage applied by drippers with different flow rates and installation depths. Drippers were positioned at various depths (0 to 30 cm) and operated with flow rates of 1.6 and 3.8 L h−1. Cowpeas were cultivated in pots with clayey soil, using synthetic sanitary sewage based on the maximum limit of nitrogen fertilization. Irrigation management was controlled in terms of soil moisture, which was monitored using TDR probes. The results indicated that reducing the depth of the drippers positively affected grain production and the development of cowpeas. Fertigation with sanitary sewage at greater depths increased soil phosphorus concentrations and base saturation. Dripper depth also influenced soil concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, while sodium concentrations decreased with greater depth. It is concluded that dripper flow rates did not impact soil chemical parameters or the agronomic characteristics of cowpeas. However, despite nutrient supply at greater depths, the subsurface drip irrigation system proved unsuitable for cowpea production in clayey soil.

Interactive Computer Program for Design of Subsurface Drip Irrigation System

Interactive Computer Program for Design of Subsurface Drip Irrigation System

Assessment of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) Cultivation under Two Irrigation Systems in Central Iraq

A field experiment was conducted in the Abbasiya area of Najaf Governorate, located in the Middle Euphrates region during the winter season of 2022-2023. The primary focus of the study was to evaluate the performance of two irrigation systems, nano-irrigation, and subsurface drip irrigation, on broccoli plants grown in clay soil. The experimental design followed a Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Nano-irrigation demonstrated several advantages over subsurface drip irrigation. It exhibited a reduction inater con-sumption and lower energy requirements for water pumping opera-tions. Notably, the root length of broccoli plants was significantly greater under the nano-irrigation system, with an increase of 18.2 cm compared to the drip irrigation system. The use of nano-irrigation resulted in better water use efficiency and energy efficien-cy, leading to improved root development in the broccoli plants. The study results indicated that nano-irrigation offers benefits in terms of water conservation and plant growth promotion, ultimately leading to increased overall productivity. This makes nano-irrigation an appealing option for improving water use efficiency in agriculture, particularly in regions that face water scarcity. Moreo-ver, there was no significant difference in yield between the nano-irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation systems.

Simulation-Based Assessment of Subsurface Drip Irrigation Efficiency for Crops Grown in Raised Beds

This paper considers the application of a scenario simulation technique to assess subsurface drip irrigation system efficiency while using it to irrigate crops grown under raised bed technology. For simulating purposes, we use a model based on the two-dimensional Richards equation stated in terms of water head in a curvilinear domain. Solutions to problems are obtained using a finite-difference scheme with dynamic time step change. Using the data from pressure measurements obtained while growing potatoes on sandy loess soil in production conditions, we performed a calibration of the model using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Further, the accuracy of the model was tested and average absolute errors in the range from 3.16 to 5.29 kPa were obtained. Having a calibrated model, we performed a series of simulations with different irrigation pipeline placements determining the configuration under which water losses are minimal. The simulated configuration, under which infiltration losses were minimal, was the installation of pipelines under the raised bed at the depth of 10 cm below the soil surface. The results confirm that the applied technique can be used for decision-making support while designing subsurface drip irrigation systems combined with raised bed growing technology.

Water Management Using Internet of Things with Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems

Water Management Using Internet of Things with Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems

Effect of treated wastewater irrigation on ornamental plants: Case study of Lantana and Hibiscus, Morocco

AbstractIn water stressed countries such as Morocco, the use of treated wastewater represents a strategic perspective for sustainable agricultural development. However, technological and management innovations are needed to make it feasible and effective. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of irrigation with treated wastewater compared with fresh water on the growth of two ornamental plants: Rosa Sinensis hibiscus and Lantana Camara. The study also aimed to examine the impact of treated wastewater on the hydraulic performance of different irrigation systems. To carry out this study, irrigation was applied by two irrigation systems: subsurface drip irrigation and surface drip irrigation. Also, two sources of water were compared: treated wastewater from the WWTP of M'zar (tertiary treatment) and well water, each for a duration of 2 months. The results obtained showed that the treated wastewater generally promoted a better development of agronomic parameters such as height, number of branches, leaves, and flowers for both plants. The same observation was also made regarding the esthetical parameter. For the irrigation system effect, the results obtained showed a better development under the subsurface drip irrigation system; thus, the combination of treated wastewater and subsurface drip irrigation provided the best results for both plants. Regarding the hydraulic performance of the irrigation system, no risk of clogging of the distributors was observed in relation to the water quality; the uniformity coefficient and distribution uniformity remained above 90%. It can therefore be deduced that the use of treated wastewater for irrigation of green spaces should be at the heart of water resource mobilization policies. in fact, it represents an excellent alternative for promoting national water management strategies.

Evaluation and impact of the performance of two types of emitters for the subsurface drip irrigation system and moisture depletion on water consumption, water use efficiency, and potato yield (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Evaluation and impact of the performance of two types of emitters for the subsurface drip irrigation system and moisture depletion on water consumption, water use efficiency, and potato yield (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Characteristics of limited flow and soil water infiltration boundary of a subsurface drip irrigation emitter in silty loam soil

The accurate estimation of the infiltration boundary of a buried point source is required in the hydraulic design of a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system, as well as in the numerical simulation of soil water movement. In this study, an experiment was conducted to measure the variation in emitter flow rate and soil back pressure in silty loam soil. The infiltration cavity was observed, and the radius was estimated by matching the measured emitter flow rate and soil back pressure using HYDRUS-2D simulations. The relationship between the cavity radius, emitter flow rate, and soil back pressure, as affected by the soil bulk density, working pressure, and nominal emitter flow rate, are discussed. The results indicate that the infiltration cavity formed rapidly during irrigation with an irregular shape. The surface area increased as nominal emitter flow rate increased and soil bulk density increased. The variation of flow rate as a function of time had no necessary relationship with that of soil back pressure, due to the formation of the cavity. When the infiltration process became stable, higher soil bulk density resulted in increase in soil back pressure and decrease in emitter flow rate. However, the effects of working pressure and nominal emitter flow rate on soil back pressure were unclear. The emitter flow rate and back pressure, solved by an existing analytical model using estimated radius, demonstrated satisfactory agreement with the measured data, with the minimum root-mean-square error (RMSE), compared with those using a constant radius. When the infiltration boundary was taken as a constant head, the soil back pressure and cavity both significantly affected the simulated soil wetting patterns. The effect of cavity radius on the wetting front could be neglected for the constant flux boundary.

Effects of Fertigation Treatment Using a Subsurface Drip System on Spring Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Growth and Yield

Background: In potato, irrigation and fertilization significantly affect yield. Subsurface drip irrigation and fertigation system are very effective in supplying water and fertilizers directly to crop root zones. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fertigation treatment according to fertilizer concentration and composition on spring potato growth and yield using a subsurface drip system. Methods: Fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potassium were applied at various concentrations and fertilizer compositions during the tuber initiation and filling stages to determine the appropriate fertilizer concentration. And then, the selected EC 1.0 (NK) and K single-use treatments (K 20, K 50, and K 70 kg, ha-1) were used for fertigation treatment with a subsurface drip system. Results: The nutrient uptake by fertilizer concentration results for spring potato cultivation confirmed that nutrient absorption was best at EC 1.0. Accordingly, based on EC 1.0, the nutrient uptake rate by fertilizer composition (EC 1.0; NPK, NK, K) was the best in the NK and K treatments. The application of K 50 (50 kg ha-1) for subsurface fertigation had the highest yield, with an approximately 61% increase over the control treatment and a 19% increase over the irrigation treatment. Conclusion: Fertigation treatment using the surface drip system at the tuber initiation and filling stages will contribute to the stable production and improvement of potato productivity by increasing the efficiency of water and fertilization.

Evapotranspiration of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in maize, soybean, and fallow under subsurface drip and center-pivot irrigation systems

AbstractPalmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) is a major biotic constraint in agronomic cropping systems in the United States. While crop–weed competition models offer a beneficial tool for understanding and predicting crop yield losses, within these models, certain weed biological characteristics and their responses to the environment are unknown. This limits understanding of weed growth in competition with crops under different irrigation methods and how competition for soil moisture affects crop growth parameters. This research measured the effect of center-pivot irrigation (CPI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) on the actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of A. palmeri grown in maize (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and fallow subplots. Twelve A. palmeri plants were alternately transplanted 1 m apart in the middle two rows of maize, soybean, and fallow subplots under CPI and SDI in 2019 and 2020 in south-central Nebraska. Maize, soybean, and fallow subplots without A. palmeri were included for comparison. Soil-moisture sensors were installed at 0-0.30, 0.30-0.60, and 0.60-0.90-m soil depths next to or between three A. palmeri and crop plants in each subplot. Soil-moisture data were recorded hourly from the time of A. palmeri transplanting to crop harvest. The results indicate differences in A. palmeri ETa between time of season (early, mid-, and late season) and crop type across 2019 and 2020. Although irrigation type did not affect subplot data, the presence of A. palmeri had an impact on subplot ETa across both years, which can be attributed to the variable relationship between volumetric soil water content (VWC) and ETa throughout the growing season due to advancing phenological stages and management practices. This study provides important and first-established baseline data and information about A. palmeri evapotranspiration and its relation to morphological features for future use in mechanistic crop–weed competition models.

Assessment of Soil Water Dynamics and Yield Response of Broccoli Under Subsurface Drip Irrigation in the Semi-Arid Region of India

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to investigate the optimum lateral spacing and irrigation frequency of a subsurface drip irrigation system for broccoli crop grown in the semi-arid region of Haryana (India). The effects on soil water dynamics, growth parameters (i.e. plant height, leaf length, no. of leaves/plant, curd weight and curd diameter), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), fertilize use efficiency (FUE) and yield response of broccoli were assessed under two lateral spacings (45 cm and 60 cm) and four irrigation frequencies (daily, and after one, two & three days) in the years of 2019–20 and 2020–21. The results show that soil moisture content was higher near the dripper, and it decreased with increasing radial distance from the drippers. Further, the moisture content was high at 45 cm lateral spacing as compared to 60 cm lateral spacing. The effects of selected treatments on growth and yield parameters were found significant and maximum broccoli yield (147. 41 q ha−1) was found at 45 cm lateral spacing with alternate days of irrigation. The highest IWUE and FUE of 9.93 kg/m3 and 30.68 kg/kg, respectively, were also found at alternate days irrigation with 45 cm lateral spacing. It may be concluded from the present study that alternate days irrigation with 45 cm lateral spacing is the best choice to obtain the maximum yield of broccoli grown in winter season in the semi-arid region of India.

Introducing a stratified vertical gravel tube subsurface drip system under different irrigation regimes for pistachio: Growth, yield and water productivity

AbstractHigh evapotranspiration and low precipitation are known as the main challenging factors for pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) orchards situated in arid and semi‐arid regions. Therefore, it is necessary to take some measures to mitigate surface evaporation. This study was carried out to assess water productivity (WP) as well as yield and annual shoot growth of pistachios using a new method of irrigation known as the stratified vertical gravel tube subsurface drip irrigation (SVGTSD) system in a 15‐year‐old pistachio orchard in an arid region in Iran. In this system, each tree contained four vertical gravel columns with different lengths. A randomized complete block design with a split‐plot arrangement with three replicates (five trees in each plot) for 3 years was used. Three irrigation regimes included 100% crop evapotranspiration (100% ETc), 85% ETc and 70% ETc (as the main plots), and seven vertical gravel column with a depth arrangement of 40–40–40–40 cm (using a gravel column from the lateral pipe level and without a gravel tube as the control) and gravel‐filled tubes with depths of 10–10–10–10 cm, 10–10–20–20 cm, 10–10–30–30 cm, 10–10–20–30 cm, 10–10–20–40 cm and 10–10–20–50 cm (all 30 cm below ground level) (as subplots) were used. The results showed that the different depths of gravel tube placement significantly affected the annual shoot growth and yield. The deeper the tube was placed, the greater the yield and annual shoot growth, resulting in 10–10–20–50 cm being the most productive. Regarding tree growth, yield and WP, the best performance was observed at full irrigation (100% ETc) with a 10–10–20–50‐cm vertical gravel tube arrangement. Furthermore, in this subsurface irrigation method, there was no concern regarding emitter clogging by roots, root accumulation around the emitters or root intrusion into the emitters. In addition, having a low additional cost (only 13.9%) in comparison with conventional subsurface drip irrigation together with a higher yield (3475 kg ha−1), WP (0.9 kg m−3) and shoot growth (35 cm), SVGTSD is more economical and feasible compared to other irrigation methods and can be extensively applied in pistachio orchards.

Potential Use of Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems in Landscape Irrigation under Full and Limited Irrigation Conditions

Water is an essential component of life in the world. In addition to being crucial to keeping plants alive, water is also used in various areas, such as landscape irrigation, decorative pools, and ponds. The use of water more efficiently is getting more and more important day by day because of the increasing demands of different sectors. In cities with limited water resources, such as Konya, water should be used even more efficiently to reduce irrigation water quantities and prevent water losses. The potential use of the sub-surface drip irrigation method in the irrigation of green areas in Selçuklu district of Konya province was investigated, and the sub-surface drip irrigation method was compared with the fixed sprinkler irrigation method (pop-up) in terms of irrigation parameters (amount of irrigation water applied, plant water consumption) and plant characteristics (germination, plant height, number of mows, mowing weight, root depth). In the present experiments, 18 different sub-surface drip irrigation treatments (100, 80, and 60% irrigations + 40, 60, and 80 cm lateral spacings + 10 and 15 cm lateral depths) and three different sprinkler irrigation treatments (100, 80, and 60% irrigations) were used. Present findings revealed that sub-surface drip irrigation systems were suitable for irrigation of green areas, and this system was more advantageous for municipalities in terms of water savings, irrigation labor, and maintenance. For sub-surface drip irrigation systems, S1 (supply 100% of evaporation from Class-A pan + 40 cm lateral spacing + 10 cm lateral depth) treatments were found to be the best system arrangement for landscape irrigations in Selçuklu district in Konya province.

Field evaluation of subsurface drip irrigation system under different discharge rates of emitter

Field evaluation of subsurface drip irrigation system under different discharge rates of emitter

Investigating the Effect of Irrigation Interval in Subsurface Drip Irrigation System on Soil Salinity Changes and Corn Plant Yield for the Central Regions of Khuzestan

Investigating the Effect of Irrigation Interval in Subsurface Drip Irrigation System on Soil Salinity Changes and Corn Plant Yield for the Central Regions of Khuzestan

Optimizing Nitrogen Application for Jojoba under Intensive Cultivation.

Although jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) has been cultivated for years, information on its N requirements is limited. A 6-year study of mature jojoba plants grown under field conditions with an intensive management regime evaluated the effect of N application rate on plant nutrient status, growth, and productivity, and nitrate accumulation in the soil. Five levels of N application were tested: 50, 150, 250, 370, and 500 kg N ha-1. Fertilizers were provided throughout the growing season via a subsurface drip irrigation system. Leaf N concentration, in both spring and summer, reflected the level of N applied. A diagnostic leaf (youngest leaf that has reached full size) concentration of 1.3% N was identified as the threshold for N deficiency. Increasing rates of N application resulted in higher P levels in young leaves. Plant K status, as reflected in the leaf analysis, was not affected by N treatment but was strongly affected by fruit load. Vegetative growth was inhibited when only 50 kg N ha-1 was applied. Soil analysis at the end of the fertilization season showed substantial accumulation of nitrate for the two highest application rates. Considering productivity, N costs, and environmental risk, 150 kg N ha-1 is the recommended dosage for intensively grown jojoba. N deficiencies can be identified using leaf analysis, and excess N can be detected via soil sampling toward the end of the growing season. These results and tools will facilitate precise N fertilization in intensive jojoba plantations.

Distribution of soil moisture content and salts in soil profile affected by subsurface drip irrigation system under different discharge rates of emitter

Distribution of soil moisture content and salts in soil profile affected by subsurface drip irrigation system under different discharge rates of emitter

Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Drip Irrigation of Pepper

Drip irrigation is gaining importance in mitigating the consequences of water scarcity even in regions with abundant rainfall. The transition from surface to subsurface drip irrigation is accompanied by numerous problems. To overcome these issues, shallow subsurface drip irrigation can be potentially used as an effective drought control tool that brings additional benefits compared to conventional surface drip irrigation techniques. This research investigated the effects of different calculations of daily crop water requirements, reference evapotranspiration (ETo), and pan evaporation (Eo) on the yield and water use efficiency of pepper irrigated with a surface and shallow subsurface drip irrigation system. The experiment was conducted in field conditions in the Vojvodina region, the northern part of Serbia. The irrigation scheduling was based on the water balance approach. The calculated evapotranspiration rate was about 400 mm for the pepper growing period, regardless of the calculation method. The highest yield of pepper and evapotranspiration water use efficiency was obtained on the Eo variant with surface drip irrigation. However, irrigation water use efficiency showed no statistical significance concerning the calculation of evapotranspiration and irrigation type. The results indicated that both calculation methods and irrigation types can be used in pepper production, but priority should be given to pan-evaporation-based calculation.

Precise irrigation water and nitrogen management improve water and nitrogen use efficiencies under conservation agriculture in the maize-wheat systems

A 3-year field experiment was setup to address the threat of underground water depletion and sustainability of agrifood systems. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system combined with nitrogen management under conservation agriculture-based (CA) maize-wheat system (MWS) effects on crop yields, irrigation water productivity (WPi), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and profitability. Grain yields of maize, wheat, and MWS in the SDI with 100% recommended N were significantly higher by 15.8%, 5.2% and 11.2%, respectively, than conventional furrow/flood irrigation (CT-FI) system. System irrigation water savings (~ 55%) and the mean WPi were higher in maize, wheat, and MWS under the SDI than CT-FI system. There was saving of 25% of fertilizer N in maize and MWS whereas no saving of N was observed in wheat. Net returns from MWS were significantly higher (USD 265) under SDI with 100% N (with no subsidy) than CT-FI system despite with higher cost of production. The net returns were increased by 47% when considering a subsidy of 80% on laying SDI system. Our results showed a great potential of complementing CA with SDI and N management to maximize productivity, NUE, and WPi, which may be economically beneficial and environmentally sound in MWS in Trans-IGP of South Asia.