Drip Irrigation System Research Articles

Yield and Berries Quality of Flame Seedless and Red Globe cvs in Relation to Some Biofertilization Treatments

A field investigation was conducted during 2010 and 2021 seasons on Flame Seedless and Red Globe grapevines cvs., grown in sandy soil located at Malawi district - El-Minia Governorate, Egypt. The examined cvs were irrigated by using drip irrigation system and planted at 2 X 3 meters apart. This investigation was focused on the response of Flame Seedless and Red Globe cvs. to inoculation with Arbuscular Mycrrohiza Fungi (AMF), Azospirillum bacteria and Azotobacter bacteria individually or in combination. The obtained results show that, when using each micro-organism individually, the effect of AMF on yield and its component as well as berries physical and chemical properties was superior to using Azospirillum or Azotobacter each one individually. The combined inoculation shows more effective than the individual inoculations. The vines of both cultivar inoculating with the three micro-organisms in combination (AMF + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) produced the best yield and berry physical and chemical properties

ANALISIS PENGGUNAAN AIR IRIGASI TETES BERTINGKAT EMPAT PADA USAHATANI TANAMAN CABAI DI PERMUKIMAN PERKOTAAN.

The use of a multilevel drip irrigation system for agriculture in urban residential areas needs to be done so that food availability can always be available, which must be supported by the use of appropriate planting media. This study aims to determine the amount of use by chili plants in polybag media irrigated by a four-level drip irrigation system with a mixture of soil and compost and livestock waste. Tests were carried out on the provision of drip irrigation, infiltration capacity and soil moisture produced at certain durations for each phase of plant growth (chili). The composition of the soil planting media to the compost is 60%: 40%, 70%: 30%, 80%: 20%. The test was carried out on a PVC drip irrigation network with emitters in a 2m x 4m x 2m room with 96 polybags, water sources from a 150 liter tank with a height of 2.5 m. Data analysis was carried out on irrigation discharge data, uniformity, irrigation depth and soil moisture against irrigation water use. The test results show that the amount of irrigation water used for chili plants in the early growth phase is around 40 liters, the use of water in the vegetative plant growth phase is around 60 liters to 120 liters, in the generative phase it is 130 liters to 300 liters and in the fruiting phase until the harvest phase, around 325 liters - 500 liters of water are used. The use of irrigation water is the cumulative amount from early irrigation to post-harvest. The highest water use needs to be given to plants on the first and fourth floors in the dry season and in the rainy season the lowest irrigation water use is for plants on the first and fourth floors.

Quantifying local losses due to root intrusion in subsurface drip irrigation systems by monitoring inlet discharge and pressure head

Quantifying local losses due to root intrusion in subsurface drip irrigation systems by monitoring inlet discharge and pressure head

Research of the operating modes of a combined drip irrigation system with aerosol irrigation for cultivating a cherry orchard

Relevance. Irrigation of agricultural crops plays a key role not only in increasing the yield of these crops, but also in preserving it, especially under stressful temperature conditions. One of the effective methods of water conservation during irrigation is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation technology allows you to accurately dose water, taking into account the needs of specific crops and maintaining an optimal level of soil moisture. It is important to note that this technology helps save water and reduce the risk of soil overmoistening. In addition to drip irrigation, there is also aerosol irrigation. This irrigation technology allows more efficient use of water resources and provides optimal conditions for the ground air layer for the growth and development of plants under stressful temperature conditions.Methods. The objectives of the study are to study the technologies and technical means of irrigation of a young cherry orchard to maintain optimal modes through the use of drip irrigation with aerosol irrigation in the Central part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. During the research, two factors were analyzed: studying the impact of various irrigation methods and moistening volumes on the formation of trees of the Gostinets and Zhukovskaya varieties of sweet cherry.Results. The field experiment is conducted on the territory of «Kolomenskaya Yagoda» LLC in the Moscow Region. The conducted studies have shown that the selected irrigation method using a combined irrigation system on sod-podzolic soils in the central part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia for growing a young cherry orchard of the Gostinets and Zhukovskaya cherry varieties meets the criteria of environmental safety and economic efficiency.Conclusion. From the point of view of profitability, it is most effective to grow a young cherry orchard by maintaining humidity in the root zone of the soil within 80-100% of the lowest moisture capacity and relative humidity of the ground air layer in the range of 55-70%.

Experimental Design: Implementation of IoT-based drip irrigation to enhance the productivity of Cilembu sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation

Effective irrigation methods are crucial for meeting plant water needs while preventing excessive evaporation, soil dryness, and water shortages. Conventional irrigation methods often result in inefficient water distribution, leading to a reduced agricultural productivity. This study aimed to enhance water use efficiency and improve crop yield by employing Internet of Things (IoT)-based drip irrigation systems. The system regulates water supply and monitor environmental conditions using low-power sensor nodes that measure soil moisture, air temperature, humidity, and light intensity. Field experiments were conducted to ascertain optimal water requirements by adjusting irrigation durations to 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes and modifying water application based on soil moisture levels below 70%. Irrigation scheduling was performed at 6 am and 6 pm. The implementation of IoT-based drip irrigation in Cilembu sweet potato field resulted in a production yield of 44 tons/ha, marking a 45% productivity compared to conventional irrigation methods. Furthermore, water savings of 65% were achieved through the application of IoT-controlled drip irrigation. These results demonstrate the potential of IoT-based systems in optimizing water use and enhancing agricultural productivity, making it a valuable approach for sustainable farming practices.

Nutrient efficiency unlocked: Water-soluble fertilizers in horticultural crop production

Horticultural crops are invaluable to the lands of small and marginal farmers across the nation, making a substantial contribution to the national economy. The significant productivity gap in horticulture is mostly attributable to the inefficient utilization of water and fertilizer resources. Soil fertility has been declining, driven by nutrient depletion and excessive fertilizer application with low nutrient-use efficiency, which hampers productivity despite the steady increase in cultivated area. Numerous research has investigated the application of water-soluble fertilizers to enhance the yield of horticulture crops, achieving greater profitability while minimizing environmental effects. Water-soluble fertilizers are closely linked to improvements in growth, yield attributes, and soil fertility in various horticultural crops. These fertilizers offer numerous advantages, such as controlling weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides, and enhancing the quality of vegetables and fruits, leading to widespread adoption. Additionally, drip irrigation systems in horticulture have conserved nearly half of the fertilizers and water resources used. Achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability in food production further supports precision farming through water-soluble fertilizers. Consequently, higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE) can be attained, making water-soluble fertilizers an essential component of precision agriculture and site-specific nutrient management.

Agromeliorative Methods of Preserving Fertility of Chernozem Soils of Fruit Plantations under Conditions of Irrigation with Mineralized Water

The effectiveness of agro-reclamation techniques for preserving the fertility of chernozem soils of fruit plantations under conditions of irrigation with mineralized waters in the conditions of the steppe zone of fruit growing in the Krasnodar Territory in irrigated intensive plantations of apple varieties of winter ripening on a low-growing rootstock M9 was studied. The effect of the use of chemical meliorants (phosphogypsum), soil mulching, application of water-soluble organo-mineral fertilizers through a drip irrigation system and a combination of these agricultural techniques on the basic agrochemical and physico-chemical properties of ordinary chernozem was studied. In fruit plantations, with drip irrigation with mineralized waters, the use of a complex of agro-reclamation techniques contributed to the normalization of the reaction of the soil environment, a decrease in the accumulation of water-soluble sodium salts in the root layer of ordinary chernozem by 39.7%, a decrease in the content of exchangeable sodium in the zone of local soil moisture by 33–34%, an increase in the content of mobile phosphorus in the soil under droppers by 18.9% compared with traditional zonal cultivation technology.

Climate Smart Agriculture Opportunities and Challenges in Afghanistan

Agriculture in dryland regions is directly affected by climate change. In Afghanistan, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) improves productivity resilience and reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). However, climate change, water shortage, population growth, and food insecurity are major challenges in developing countries such as Afghanistan. In the face of climate change, traditional agriculture methods need to be transformed into CSA that are capable of improving food production within the constraints of climate change. A review study was conducted to identify opportunities and challenges for CSA in Afghanistan. Among the many CSA technologies in Afghanistan, the review found, the use of drought resistance varieties, implementation of conservation agriculture, the use of Zai and Half-moon techniques for planting pits, moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, watershed management, drip irrigation system, soil carbon sequestration, control erosion techniques, and climate forecast services are the best opportunities and as promising options for risk management and adaptation to climate change. Still, unfortunately, most of these options have not yet been implemented by Afghan farmers, just followed by researchers. In addition, CSA in Afghanistan faces several solvable challenges. Limited understanding of the CSA concept and framework, limited investment to develop and implement CSA technologies, inadequate communication between government, policymakers, farmers, climate change impacts, GHG, and traditional agriculture. The review recommended that CSA practices be suitable options for all stakeholders to increase income and ensure food security and sustainable agriculture by adaptation practices against climate change. This review provides new strategies and ideas for strengthening sustainable agriculture, food security, environmental protection, and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Changes of Soil Microbial Characteristics and Nutrient Content in Sandy Soil Under Drip Irrigation System

Changes of Soil Microbial Characteristics and Nutrient Content in Sandy Soil Under Drip Irrigation System

Effect of Moisture Depletion Rate and Irrigation Water Depth on the Productivity and Water Use Efficiency of Soybean Crop (Glycine max L.) Merr. under Drip Irrigation and Fixed Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Background: Water management and its appropriate use are priorities in arid and semi-arid areas across the globe. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Hisar in Al-Tunkopry district, Kirkuk Governorate, during 2023 summer season. Split-split plot design was adopted to implement the experiment, using randomized complete blocks design (RCBD). The main plots included irrigation method factor (sprinkler and drip) and the moisture depletion rate was placed in the sub plots (60 and 70% of the available water) while varing irrigation depth were placed in the sub-sub plots (50, 75 and 100)% of the net irrigation depth. Result: Results of the study revealed that the water requirement of the soybean crop under the sprinkler irrigation system reached 1275.9 and 1272.9 mm season-1 at 100% of net irrigation depth and at moisture depletion rates of 60 and 70%, respectively and in drip irrigation system it reached 1170.6 and 1201 mm season-1 for an irrigation level of 100% of the net irrigation depth and at a moisture depletion rate of 60 and 70%, respectively. The yield coefficient values (0.52, 0.90, 1.01, 0.90) and (0.44, 0.85, 0.96, 0.52) at a moisture depletion of 60% for the two methods (drip and sprinkler irrigation). The highest seed yield was 4.094 Mg ha-1 for the sprinkler irrigation treatment with a moisture depletion rate of 60% and an irrigation water level of 50% of the net irrigation depth, while the lowest yield was 2.41800 Mg ha-1 for the drip irrigation treatment with a moisture depletion rate of 60 and a level of 75% of the net depth. The drip irrigation achieved the highest water use efficiency 0.607072 kg m-3, in comparison to the sprinkler irrigation 0.362063 kg m-3.

Eco-physiological response of grain amaranth to regulated deficit and conventional deficit irrigation applied with surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems

Abstract Understanding the water use of drought-tolerant crops of the drought-prone Mediterranean regions is important for sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and yield responses of amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus L.) to different irrigation strategies conducted in 2019 and 2020 under Mediterranean climatic conditions using surface drip (SD) and subsurface drip (SSD) systems. Strategies investigated were: regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), conventional deficit irrigation (DI25, DI50, DI75), full irrigation (FI) and rainfed treatment. The highest grain yield was observed in FI treatments; RDI treatments produced 5% lower grain yield than the FI treatments, although the RDI treatments resulted in water savings of 23 and 21% for SD and SSD systems, respectively. DI treatments resulted in lower leaf water potential (LWP) and higher crop water-stress index (CWSI) compared to FI in both systems values. The results showed that optimum irrigation conditions to obtain the highest amaranth grain yields were associated with an LWP of −1.0 MPa and an average CWSI of about 0.25. The FI treatments under SSD systems had the highest grain production, followed by FI under SD and RDI under both the drip systems. Under SD and SSD systems, RDI saved 23 and 21% water, respectively, and produced a yield statistically comparable to that of FI. The SSD methods generated higher net income than SD. From these results it can be concluded that both RDI and DI75 could be a good alternative to FI under the conditions of water scarcity in the Mediterranean region.

Best Practices for Maintaining Drip Irrigation Systems

It is effective to send water and nutrients directly to the root zones of plants using drip irrigation. This makes better use of resources and raises food yields. A drip watering system, on the other hand, will only work if it is properly maintained. This abstract talks about the best ways to take care of drip irrigation systems so that they last a long time and work well. It is important to do regular checks to find and fix problems like leaks, jams, and normal wear and tear. Regularly checking emitters and filters is important because jammed emitters can make it much harder for crops to get water. Also, it's important to keep an eye on the system's pressure and flow rates, since changes can point to deeper issues that need to be fixed right away. It is very important to do seasonal upkeep, like cleaning the system to get rid of dirt and mineral build-up, especially in places where the water is hard. If you use good materials, like UV-resistant tubes and long-lasting joints, the system will last longer. Setting up the right watering schedule based on the amount of water in the land and the needs of the crops is another important practice that not only saves water but also keeps the system from being overworked. Training employees on working procedures and how to fix problems can make repair even more effective. Lastly, keeping track of maintenance tasks and system performance over time lets you make smart choices and move quickly.

Effect of different water quality on the performance of pressure compensating emitter in drip irrigation systems

AbstractPressure‐compensating emitters (PCE) ensure consistent flow rates and uniform irrigation in drip irrigation systems across varying pressures. However, the performance of PCE can be significantly compromised by marginal water, characterized by impurities like particulate matter, salt ions, microorganisms and organic substances. To date, research elucidating the factors contributing to PCE performance reduction with marginal water sources has been limited. This study investigated the effects of tour types of marginal waters on PCE performances, specifically saline water (rich in salt ions), high‐sediment water, biogas slurry (rich in organics) and reclaimed water (containing microorganisms), under three operational pressures (0.1 MPa, 0.2 MPa, 0.3 MPa). Variations in clogging substances and diaphragm performance within the PCE flow channel were analysed. Results indicated that PCE performance declined most rapidly in saline water, followed by high‐sediment water, biogas slurry and reclaimed water. Compared to clogging substances within the flow channel in reclaimed water conditions, those in biogas slurry, high‐sediment water and saline water increased by 3.4%, 17.5% and 93.1%, respectively. The flow coefficient decreased by 21.1%, 32.2% and 18.0%, respectively, while the flow index increased by 5.8%, 12.5% and 50.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the diaphragm decreased by 1.8%, 13.6% and 44.1%, respectively. These results underscored that chemical ions in the water source are the most critical factor influencing PCE performance, followed by sediment and organic matter, while microorganisms have a comparatively lesser impact. Furthermore, higher pressure levels were found to contribute to improvements in PCE performance. This study offers insights into the influence of various marginal waters on PCE performance, with implications for the broader adoption and implementation of pressure‐compensating drip irrigation technology in conditions involving marginal water.

Hydraulic performance analysis of new versus commercial nozzle design for pressurised porous media filters

AbstractRapid water filtration with pressurised porous media filters is extensively applied in drip irrigation systems. In double-chamber filters, the underdrains are fixed to the base of the inner plate to sustain the media above while draining water. Here, a new underdrain design intended to reduce the filter energy consumption is presented. The main difference with commercial underdrain units corresponds to the distribution of the slots, being in a horizontal plate to uniformise the flow trajectories inside the porous media. Both commercial and new underdrain designs have been tested in laboratory in both filtration and backwashing modes with three media types, two media heights, and superficial velocities ranging from 20 to 120 m h−1. In filtration mode, results indicate that the new design reduces the filter pressure drop by 31% at 60 m h−1 in comparison with the commercial one. The exploration with an analytical model that correctly reproduces the filter pressure drop, reveals that its value at 60 m h−1 is only 15% higher than the ideal scenario (uniform flow throughout the porous media bed). In backwashing mode, the pressure drop in comparison with the commercial design is reduced by 65% at 80 m h−1, while having the same trend for the bed expansion, which is also predicted by a simple analytical expression. Thus, the new underdrain design produces a more homogeneous fluidised regime than the commercial one at low-moderate superficial velocities.

Enhancing crop and water productivity of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) through drip irrigation and fertigation in semi-arid environments of south-western Punjab

The experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 at Regional Research Station (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab), Faridkot, Punjab to evaluate the impact of different drip irrigation and fertigation regimes on Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (cv. RCH 773 BGII). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprised of 3 drip irrigation levels (60%, 80%, and 100% of ETc); 2 fertigation doses (75% and 100% of recommended nitrogen dose), along with two extra control treatments (surface flood irrigation with 105 kg N/ha and subsurface flood irrigation with 112.5 kg N/ha). Results revealed that surface drip irrigation significantly reduced water usage by 13.9–32.3% as compared to conventional surface flood irrigation, while seed cotton yield increased by 18.2–25.2%. Notably, subsurface drip fertigation (SSDF) (100% recommended level of nitrogen applied at 80% ETc) exhibited the potential to conserve about 8.9–25.7% of total water applied, besides boosting crop yield by 37.2%. In conclusion, this study elucidated better crop and water productivity with subsurface drip followed by surface drip irrigation as compared to traditional surface flood irrigation and manual fertilizer application. Therefore, adoption of drip irrigation systems for water and nitrogen application needs to be advocated for sustainable cotton cultivation.

Drip irrigation and mulching reduce weed interference and improve water productivity of spring maize

Abstract Drip irrigation and mulching were tested to minimize unproductive water loss through evaporation and weed interference. A field experiment was conducted during spring season of 2020 and 2021 in split plot design with three replications. The study includes six treatment combinations of drip irrigation methods (surface drip and subsurface drip irrigation) and mulching (black plastic, paddy straw and no mulch) along with one conventional furrow irrigation without mulching (as control) in main plots. Four weed control treatments (atrazine 1000 g a.i./ha as pre-emergence, two hand weedings at 30 and 60 days after sowing [DAS], weed free and weedy for whole crop growth period) were kept in the subplots. The combination of drip irrigation and mulches significantly enhanced leaf area index and crop biomass at 60 DAS than furrow irrigation. Integration of subsurface drip irrigation with plastic mulching resulted in the lowest weed density and biomass among main plots. Drip irrigation coupled with plastic and straw mulching resulted in 86 and 50% reduction in weed density and biomass, respectively, as compared to no mulching. Integration of subsurface drip with paddy straw mulch and black plastic mulch resulted in 17.1 and 15.5% higher maize grain yield, respectively, as compared to furrow irrigation. The highest irrigation water productivity (3.58 kg/m3) was observed in combination of subsurface drip and paddy straw mulch followed by combination of subsurface drip and black plastic mulch (3.51 kg/m3). Overall, straw mulching in drip irrigation system proved economical in terms of maize productivity.

Strategy of Development of Sustainable Red Chili Agribusiness Areas in North Sumatra Province

The development of sustainable red chili agribusiness areas in North Sumatra Province is a challenge that involves various aspects, including cultivation technology, farmer institutions, supply chain efficiency, government policy support, and environmental sustainability. This study aims to identify and formulate a sustainable red chili agribusiness development strategy that can increase farmers' productivity and welfare without sacrificing the environment. Through a qualitative approach, data were collected from in-depth interviews with farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, as well as a review of government policies related to sustainable agriculture. The results show that the application of precision agriculture technology, such as drip irrigation systems and integrated pest management, can significantly increase productivity while preserving natural resources. Strengthening farmer institutions, such as cooperatives, is also very important in coordinating production, improving market access, and stabilizing farmers' income. In addition, supply chain efficiency through the construction of storage and distribution centers will reduce post-harvest losses and price fluctuations, while government policy support is needed in the provision of agricultural infrastructure and stable price regulation. In conclusion, the sustainable development model of red chili agribusiness areas must include synergies between environmentally friendly technologies, strong institutions, efficient supply chains, and proactive policy support. With this model, red chili agribusiness areas in North Sumatra can develop sustainably, contribute to food security, and improve farmers' welfare.

Biofilm growth Dynamics in a Micro-Irrigation with Reclaimed Wastewater in the Field scale.

The dripper clogging due to the development of biofilm can reduce the benefits of micro-irrigation technology implementation using reclaimed wastewater. The narrow cross-section and labyrinth geometry of the dripper channel enhance the fouling mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the water distribution and biofouling of drip irrigation systems at the field scale during irrigation with treated wastewater. Six 100 m lines of commercial pipes with two pressure-compensating dripper types (flow rate, Q, of 0.65 L.h-1 and 1.5 L.h-1, respectively) were monitored for four months. Different zones along the pipes were selected to evaluate the influence of hydrodynamical conditions (Reynolds number = 5400 to 0) on biofouling. Destructive methods involving the biofilm extraction by mechanical means, showed little biofilm development without significant differences in dry and organic matter content in function of the sampling location along the pipe or dripper flow rate (Q0.65 and Q1.5). These results were confirmed by non-destructive methods, such as optical coherence tomography, that nevertheless showed that biofouling concerned 15-20% of the total dripper labyrinth volume. Total organic carbon monitoring and its composition (by three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix fluorescence microscopy) showed that the biofilm did not significantly influence the organic matter nature. Our results indicated that the biological activity and biofilm development in irrigation systems were more affected by the environmental conditions, particularly water temperature, rather than flow conditions. This confirmed that treated wastewater with low organic content can be used in micro-irrigation systems without significant loss of efficiency, even in conditions requiring intensive irrigation, such as the Mediterranean climate.

Precision drip Irrigation System and Foliar Application of Biostimulant and Fertilizers Containing Micronutrients Optimize Photochemical Efficiency and Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L)

Abstract Asymmetric drought propagation and depletion of soil nutrients threaten cereal crop productivity worldwide, calling for the application of validated agronomic practices to curtail their effect on crop production. This study evaluated the effect of precision drip irrigation, biostimulant, and micronutrients application on photochemical efficiency and yield of maize.An experiment laid in a randomized complete block design with irrigation and water stress was established in 2022 and 2023 growing seasons at the experimental area of the University of Debrecen. Other treatments included T1 (non-microbial biostimulant from plant origin), T2 (zinc based chemical fertilizer), T3 (boron and molybdenum based chemical fertilizer), and T4 (control). Data was collected on steady-state fluorescence (F’), maximal fluorescence (Fm’), quantum photosynthetic yield or efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII or Y(II)), electron transport rate (ETR), and grain yield and yield components. Precision drip irrigation significantly optimized ΦPSII, ETR, cob weight, number of seeds per cob, weight of 1000 seeds and grain yield. The biostimulant and micronutrients optimized Fm’, ΦPSII, and ETR at VT and R2 growth stages. Regardless of the water management regime, T1, T2 and T3 seasonally optimized grain yield. Between water management regimes, biostimulant had the highest yield optimization effect under precision drip irrigation in the season with elevated water stress.Optimum photochemical efficiency and grain yield is achievable through precision drip irrigation, biostimulant, and micronutrient application. However, further research involving 2–3 application times at critical stages of maize under precision drip irrigation and/or combined application of these treatments at season specific precision drip irrigation is required.

Effect of center-pivot and subsurface drip irrigation systems on growth and evapotranspiration of volunteer corn in corn, soybean, and sorghum

Abstract Volunteer corn (Zea mays L.) is a competitive weed in corn-based cropping systems. Scientific literature does not exist about the water use of volunteer corn grown in different crops and irrigation systems. The objectives of this study were to characterize the growth and evapotranspiration (ETa) of volunteer corn in corn, soybean [Glycine max (L). Merr.], and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] under center-pivot irrigation (CPI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. Field experiments were conducted in south-central Nebraska in 2021 and 2022. Soil moisture sensors were installed at depths of 0 to 0.30, 0.30 to 0.60, and 0.60 to 0.90 m to track soil water balance and quantify seasonal total ETa. Corn was the most competitive, as volunteer corn had the lowest biomass, leaf area, and plant height compared with the fallow. Soybean was the least competitive with volunteer corn, as the plant height, biomass, and leaf area of volunteer corn in soybean were similar to fallow at 15, 30, 45, and 60 d after transplanting (DATr). Averaged across crop treatments, irrigation type did not affect volunteer corn growth at 15 to 45 DATr. Soil water depletion and ETa were similar across crop treatments with and without volunteer corn, as water was not a limiting factor in this study. The ETa of volunteer corn was the highest in soybean (623 mm), followed by sorghum (622 mm), and corn (617 mm) under CPI. The SDI had higher irrigation efficiency, because without affecting crop yield, it had 3%, 6%, and 8% lower ETa in soybean (605 mm), sorghum (585 mm), and corn (571 mm), respectively. Although soil water use did not differ with volunteer corn infestation, a soybean yield loss of 27% was observed, which suggests that volunteer corn may not compete for moisture under fully irrigated conditions; however, it can impact the crop yield potential due to competition for factors other than soil moisture.