The Effect of Intermittent Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Soil Water Distribution

Abstract

Abstract Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is one of the most widely accepted irrigation methods for more efficient use of irrigation water. However, the lateral movement of water is limited due to the back pressure under the ground. This causes water to collect in a narrower area and limits plant root development. In this study, the vertical and horizontal distribution of water under the soil was examined by applying the irrigation water with the classical method (continuous) and intermittently in the SDI system in order to provide a better water distribution. Accordingly, four different intermittent irrigation methods (continuous, one-intermittent, two-interval and three-interval) were studied under field conditions. Before and after each irrigation, water was monitored in the soil at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths from the soil surface and at 5-20-35 cm horizontal distances from the dripper. In the findings obtained, the difference between treatments was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01) for all vertical depths at a distance of 35 cm from the dripper point. The highest water values were found at 35 cm horizontal distance from the dripper and at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths of the soil as 112.9 mm (F1), 126.4 mm (F1) and 128.5 mm (F1), respectively. According to the results obtained, the lateral distribution of water in the soil increased as the duration of interruption between two irrigations increased. This shows that the positive effects of intermittent irrigation can be benefited from in subsurface drip irrigation for a better water distribution in the soil.