rasoul asadi; farzad hasanpour; mitra mehrabani; Amin Baghizadeh; Fateme karandish
Abstract
Introduction: In arid and semi-arid areas, water can be a limiting factor for plant growth and agricultural yields. Considering limited water resources in arid and semi-arid climate of Iran, deficit irrigation is one of the strategies for efficient use of water and increasing water use efficiency ...
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Introduction: In arid and semi-arid areas, water can be a limiting factor for plant growth and agricultural yields. Considering limited water resources in arid and semi-arid climate of Iran, deficit irrigation is one of the strategies for efficient use of water and increasing water use efficiency in agricultural lands. Deficit irrigation (DI) is a suitable solution to gain acceptable and economic performance by using minimum amount of water. The Partial Root- zone Drying (PRD) irrigation is a new improvement in deficit irrigation in which the half of the root zone is irrigated alternatively in scheduled irrigation events. The plants with PRD irrigation method can, therefore, have different root system in comparison with other irrigation methods. At this method the plant’s condition would be OK by withdrawing water from wet side, and the roots at the dry side can release abscisic acid hormone which decrease the stomatal conductance and consequently the water use efficiency would increase. Also, by using proper irrigation management in farm, we are able to utilize water, soil and fertilizer to produce high yield and quality products. Drip irrigation is considered one of the most efficient irrigation methods. One of the major advantages is its ability to apply water to the soil as often as desired and in smaller quantity than the other irrigation methods. Drip irrigation has been practiced for many years for its effectiveness in reducing soil surface evaporation and it has been widely used in horticultural crops in both greenhouse and open field.
Materials and Methods: In order to compare two deficit irrigation methods on plant growth characteristics of Rosmarinus officinalis L., a field experiment was carried out during 2016 growing season at an experimental farm in Kerman Municipality seedling production station. The experimental treatments were arranged as randomized complete block design with three replications. The irrigation regimes consisted of full irrigation (FI-100), regulated deficit (RDI75 and RDI55) and partial root zone drying irrigation (PRD75 and PRD55). In this study, drip lines were placed on the soil surface at a distance of 15 cm from the plant and plant rows were placed between drip lines. The irrigation interval was 4 days for all treatments. In the full irrigation and regulated deficit irrigation treatments, the plants were irrigated from two sides for every irrigation. In the PRD, one of two neighboring drip line was alternatively used for irrigation. The irrigation interval was 4 days for all treatments. Dry weight, leaf area index (LAI), number of shoots, plant height, water productivity, root fresh weight, root depth and root volume were measured. Since the highest essential oil of rosemary is at 50 percent of flowering time, the above-mentioned indices were measured at the middle of flowering (190 days after planting) by removing the side rows in each replicate and half a meter from the beginning and end of each row. As a marginal effect, 10 plants were randomly selected and sampled from two middle rows, each replicate of each treatment. The harvested bushes were dried at 25 °C for three weeks and then the dried weight of the vegetative organs was measured. Moreover, the number of 10 plants selected from each treatment was accurately counted to determine the number of shoots. Data were analyzed statistically using SAS Statistical software. Treatment means were compared using LSD test.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that highest herbage dry weight (145.3 g) and leaf area index in different stages of growth were under full irrigation treatment in which no significant difference between this treatment and 75 percent water replacement in partial root zone drying was observed. The highest number of shoots (128.7) and plant height (68.4 cm) were also obtained by full irrigation treatment and there was significant difference between this treatment and other treatments. However, the highest water productivity (2.06 kg/m3), root fresh weight (3.8 g), root depth (16.4 cm) and root volume (2.4 cm3) were found in 75 percent water replacement in partial root zone drying.
Conclusion: According to the results, 75 percent water replacement in partial root zone drying irrigation treatments, in addition to saving water consumption, provides better use of soil moisture and sunlight. Thus, this treatment can be considered as a suitable approach to cope with the water crisis and achieve a sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: Drip irrigation, Drought stress, Leaf area index, Medicinal plant, Rosmarinus officinalis, Water productivity
M. Karimi Fard; M. Zakerinia; A.R. Kiani; Mohammadtaghi Feyzbakhsh
Abstract
Introduction: Rice is the second most important edible grain after wheat in Iran. The most important factor for sustainable production in rice production lands, is water. Almost 75 percent of the world's rice is produced from paddy fields and rice is the largest consumer of water among all crops. Its ...
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Introduction: Rice is the second most important edible grain after wheat in Iran. The most important factor for sustainable production in rice production lands, is water. Almost 75 percent of the world's rice is produced from paddy fields and rice is the largest consumer of water among all crops. Its growth is significantly affected by climate change and water scarcity. This research was carried out to compare the direct cultivation and transplanting of rice under different irrigation methods from the point of view of water productivity. Material and Methods: The current work was designed as split plot based on randomized complete block design with 6 treatments and three replications in 18 plots with 6 m wide and 12 m length (72 m 2) in area of approximately 1500 m2 at the Agricultural Research Station of Golestan province in spring and the summer of 2018. Treatments including three levels of basin irrigation, sprinkler and drip (tape) irrigation were considered as main factors and two methods of direct cultivation and transplanting were considered as sub-factors. Results and Discussion: The results of analysis of variance showed that the effect of irrigation and sowing method on the yield of rice were significant at 0.01 level probability. The highest amount of biological yield in transplanting was obtained by basin irrigation (8177 kg/ha) and in direct seeding in basin irrigation and taper irrigation (7375 and 6836 kg/ha, respectively). The highest 1000-grain weight in transplanting method was obtained in basin irrigation and direct seeding method in traditional irrigation and tape irrigation. The highest number of filled grains in the panicle was observed in the basin irrigation treatment in transplanting, with significant difference compared to the amount observed in direct seeding. Traditional irrigation between planting methods had not significant effect on the number of hollow grains; while in sprinkler and tape irrigation (with an average of 51 and 56 for sprinkler and tape irrigation, respectively), the number of hollow grains had a higher rate in direct seeding (with an average of 41 and 45 for sprinkler and tape irrigation). The results showed that basin irrigation with 8177 kg/ha grain yield in transplanting method and basin and tape irrigations with 7375 and 6836 kg/ha in direct seeding method had the highest grain yield. Sprinkler irrigation had the lowest paddy yields in transplanting (4188 kg/ha) and direct seeding (5712 kg/ha). Tape irrigation with 7390 and 6840 m3 of consumed water, resulted in lower water consumption compared to traditional irrigation (10700 and 1693 m3), respectively. The highest amount of water use efficiency was obtained in direct and tape irrigation (0.99 kg/m3) and in traditional and tape irrigation (0.76 and 0.66 kg/m3, respectively). Conclusion: Adjusting water consumption both through lower water consumption and reduced water wastage can lead higher water productivity of rice production systems creating sustainable rice production systems. In transplanting method, tape irrigation and traditional irrigation had higher water use efficiency than sprinkler irrigation, although a significant water use reduction in tape irrigation rather than basin irrigation should be analyzed economically at real water prices. Overall, in this study, the tape irrigation method, by reducing water consumption, was able to increase water productivity and maintain the yield of rice in direct cultivation. Sprinkler irrigation had the lowest yield of rice in transplanting and direct cultivation. Problems such as lack of uniformity of spraying and waste water through the wind as well as poor quality of sprinklers are the main reasons for the decrease of the efficiency of sprinkler irrigation.
B. Karimi; N. Karimi
Abstract
Introduction: Among irrigation methods, a drip irrigation system (surface and subsurface) is more acceptable in arid and semi-arid regions due to high water use efficiency and potential crop yield. Pulse drip irrigation (with suitable management practices) is one of the drip irrigation methods (includes ...
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Introduction: Among irrigation methods, a drip irrigation system (surface and subsurface) is more acceptable in arid and semi-arid regions due to high water use efficiency and potential crop yield. Pulse drip irrigation (with suitable management practices) is one of the drip irrigation methods (includes a set of cycles, each cycle consisting of the irrigation phase and a resting phase) that have high potential to improve the uniformity of soil moisture distribution. Suitable design and management of pulse or/and continuous drip irrigation systems substantially require a proper understanding of the moisture distribution pattern around the emitter. One of the critical parameters concerning the moisture distribution pattern, taking into account the wetted area of emitter. Important parameters of the wetted area include the down wetted area (Ad) for the surface and subsurface drip irrigation system as well as the up wetted area of an emitter (Aup) for the subsurface drip irrigation. Modeling the wetted area pattern and considering this parameter in design as one of the criteria for increasing water efficiency in surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems is critical and important.
Materials and Methods: In this research, experiments were carried out in a transparent rectangular cube with dimensions of (3 * 1 * 0.5 m) using three different soil textures (fine, heavy, and medium). The drippers were installed at three different soil depths (surface, 15cm, and 30cm). The emitter discharge was considered 2.4, 4, and 6 lit/hr. Also, these experiments were carried out for two continuous and pulse irrigation systems. In pulse irrigation, the pulse cycles were considered 30-30, 20-40, and 40-20 min. The first number refers to the irrigation time, and the second number refers to the resting time of the system in each cycle. In this research, using a nonlinear regression model, empirical models were developed to predict the wetted area of the moisture front. The input parameters of the suggested model include emitter discharge, saturated hydraulic conductivity, application time, soil bulk density, emitter installation depth, initial soil moisture content, pulse ratio (the ratio of irrigation time to complete period of each cycle) and the proportions of sand, silt and clay in the soil.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study show that the highest and the lowest down wetted area (for surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems) are related to sandy and clay soils, respectively. Also, the highest up wetted area in the subsurface irrigation system is related to loamy and clay soils. The results of the comparison between measured and simulated values of down and up wetted area indicated that these models have acceptable precision and accuracy in estimating the wetted area of the wetting front in surface and subsurface drip irrigation (with pulsed and continuous application). The comparison between the measured and simulated down wetted area of the emitter (for surface drip irrigation with pulsed application) showed that the R2, MAE and RMSE values varied between 0.98-0.99, 0.0027-0.0065 m2 and 0.0034-0.0082 m2, respectively. Concerning statistical values, it is evident that these models have excellent performance in estimation of down and up wetted area for subsurface drip irrigation. For subsurface drip irrigation with the pulsed application, the values of R2, MAE and RMSE for the down wetted area of emitter, ranged 0.91-0.99, 0.002-0.0077 and 0.0032-0.0098, respectively. These models also estimate up wetted areas with less error, and the values of R2, MAE, and RMSE for all treatments varied between 0.89-0.99, 0.0015-0.0067 m2, and 0.0019-0.0077 m2, respectively.
Conclusion: This paper was aimed at presenting relationships for estimating the up and down wetted area of emitter for surface and subsurface drip irrigation (with pulsed and continuous application). Regarding the importance and applicability of empirical models, in this research, nonlinear regression models (NLR, which are more widely used among researchers) were applied. For NLR method, different ten input variables (i.e., emitter discharge, saturated hydraulic conductivity, application time, soil bulk density, emitter installation depth, initial soil moisture content, pulse ratio (the ratio of irrigation time to complete period of each cycle) and the percentage of sand, silt and clay) were considered. The results of this study indicate that the NLR model can estimate the up and down wetted area, and the statistical indices values are within acceptable ranges. Considering these relations in designing surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems can improve the performance of these systems.
T. Raeisinejad; N. Yazdanpanah
Abstract
Introduction: Water has been known as an important limiting factor for plant growth and agricultural yields in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a significant input to agricultural production and also an essential requirement for domestic, industrial and municipal activities. Increasing population and ...
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Introduction: Water has been known as an important limiting factor for plant growth and agricultural yields in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a significant input to agricultural production and also an essential requirement for domestic, industrial and municipal activities. Increasing population and standards of living are contributing to a steep rise in demand for fresh water. By using proper irrigation management practices in farmlands, it is possible to utilize water, soil and fertilizer to produce high yield and quality products. Drip irrigation is considered as one of the most efficient irrigation methods. One of its major advantages is the ability to apply water to the soil as often as desired and in smaller quantity than the other irrigation methods. Two systems of drip irrigation including surface and subsurface drip irrigation methods have been widely used in arid and semiarid regions to reduce the water deficiency impact. Subsurface drip irrigation has been used for many years because of its effectiveness in reducing soil surface evaporation. It has been widely used in horticultural crops under both greenhouse and outdoor field conditions. However, the surface drip irrigation system can be used easier than the subsurface drip irrigation system. In addition, deficit irrigation is one of the strategies for efficient use of water and increasing water use efficiency in agricultural district. Deficit irrigation is a suitable solution to gain acceptable and economic performance by using minimum amount of water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and yield components of sunflower affected by different levels of soil matric potential in combination with two contrasting drip irrigation method i.e. surface and subsurface. In addition, water use efficiency as an important criterion of yield was used to achieve the best and more suitable irrigation method under water scarcity conditions.
Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the irrigation management of sunflower, a field experiment was carried out during 2016 growing season at an experimental farm in Jiroft city. The treatments were laid out in split strip plots based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were comprised of three soil matric potentials of 40, 55, and 70 centibar for initiation of irrigation in the main plot and sub plots consisted of two drip irrigation systems (surface and subsurface). In the surface systems, drip lines were placed on the soil surface at a distance of 15 cm from the plant and in the subsurface systems, drip lines were placed at a depth of 30 cm. The irrigation time was determined based on the readings of metal tensiometers. These tensiometers were installed in three depths of 15, 30 and 50 cm of soil and at a distance of 20 cm from the plant. In this regard, in both irrigation systems, the mounted tensiometer at a depth of 15 cm of soil was used in the early growth and development, and mounted Tensiometers at depths of 30 and 50 cm soil were used in the middle and final stages of growth. In order to carry out irrigation at the potential point of view, the tensiometers were fully controlled and when the calibrated tensiometer screen showed the desired potential point, irrigation was carried out and the irrigation process continued until the soil moisture reached the crop capacity level. Yield, yield components such as number of seeds per head, along with water use efficiency were measured. Data were statistically analyzed using SAS Statistical software. Treatment means were compared using LSD test.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the water usage parsimony of 153.6 mm (21.5 percent) between the 40 and 55 c-bar tensions caused that the yield, number of seeds per head and height of plant decreased by 12.5%, 12.8% and 11%, respectively, but water use efficiency increased 10.3%. Compared with 55 c-bar tention, 70 c-bar also decreased the yield, number of seeds per head and height of plant by 33.4%, 22.9% and 22.5%, respectively but increased water use efficiency by 4.7%. Moreover, the yield in subsurface drip irrigation increased by 499 kg/ha compared with surface irrigation. In addition, parsimony of water usage was 10% and water use efficiency increased by 21.5%. Number of seeds per head and the height of plant increased by 8.2% and 8.7%, respectively in subsurface drip irrigation.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study conducted on sunflower in Jirot area, it was concluded that the application of soil matric potential of 55 centibar in subsurface drip irrigation system is the best approach to increase water use efficiency during periods of drought.
M. J.Fereidooni; H. Farajee
Abstract
Introduction: In Iran, due to reduction of water resources and increasing of water losses in the various methods of the surface irrigation pressurized irrigation methods, especially drip irrigation have got many attentions. Application of the plastic mulch method is used in cultivation of early sweet ...
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Introduction: In Iran, due to reduction of water resources and increasing of water losses in the various methods of the surface irrigation pressurized irrigation methods, especially drip irrigation have got many attentions. Application of the plastic mulch method is used in cultivation of early sweet corn. Application of this technique due to its temperature provides both plant growth and early maturity and then causes the on-time delivery of product to the target market. Additionally, to reduce water consumption, the use of germinated seedlings in the greenhouse and move it under plastic on the farm, productivity will increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate irrigation levels on yield of sweet corn by using plastic mulch, and the feasibility of seedling cultivation to early crop.
Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of different irrigation levels and cultivation techniques on water use efficiency and quality and quantity yield of sweet corn, an experimental program was carried out as split plot in randomize complete blocks design with three replication in Faculty of Agriculture, Research Field Station of Yasouj University in 2015. The main factor consisted of three levels of irrigation: 100 (I1), 75 (I2) and 50 percentage of water requirement (I3) and the sub-factor was including cultivation techniques of sweet corn in six levels: seed cultivation of sweet corn under plastic mulch on 4 April (CT1), seedling cultivation under plastic mulch on 4 April (CT2), seed cultivation to conventional method of sweet corn on 5 May (CT3), seed cultivation of sweet corn under plastic mulch on 5 May (CT4), seedling cultivation of sweet corn under plastic mulch on 5 May (CT5) and seedling cultivation to conventional method of sweet corn on 5 May (CT6).
In order to establish plastic mulch, after seed and seedling cultivation of sweet corn with installation of irrigation tape tubes, steel bars which were made in a semi-circular shape, were placed on rows and plastics were laid on it. After the establishment of the seedling on the farm, the irrigation levels were applied by volumetric counters. When the plant height was equal to the height of plastic tunnels, it was tried to pierce the plastic to grow suitability. During the time of maturity product, a 2 m2 plot in the middle of farm was selected and the ears were separated and weighed, and the forage yield was weighted. The grains of sweet corn were separated and canned yield was measured. The content of grain sugar, sucrose and fructose were measured by means of HPLC method, and the content of grain nitrogen with using of micro Kjeldahl’s method achieved. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. The mean values were compared by using LSD multiple range tests at 5% level. Figures were depicted by using of Excel software.
Results and Discussion: The results indicated that irrigation interaction and cultivation techniques were significant on ear yield, the canned yield, water use efficiency, and forage yield. The maximum ear yield obtained in treatments of I2CT1, I1CT1, I2CT2 and I1CT2 were equal to 14420, 14414.4, 13691.7 and 13513.5 kg ha-1, respectively and the maximum water consumption content for mentioned treatments were equal to 2521, 3362, 2385 and 3180 m3 ha-1, respectively. The minimum ear yield obtained in treatment of I3CT3 was equal to 706 gm-2. Water stress delayed the physiological processes including silk rating and tassel emergence, so that, it reduced growth and plant height and finally leaded to the reduction of grain yield. The maximum canned yield were obtained in treatment of I1CT1, I2CT1, I1CT2 and I2CT2 equal to 558.7, 551.1, 536.2 and 527.4 gm-2, respectively. Higher grain yield of sweet corn under plastic mulch in comparison with non plastic mulch, was due to increasing of dry matter accumulation before the silk production. It seems that increasing temperature and water content under plastic mulch resulted in an increase in grain dry matter accumulation. The maximum water use efficiencyfresh grain was obtained in treatment of I2CT2, I2CT1, I3CT2 and I3CT1 equal to 2.21, 2.18, 2.16 and 2.14 kgm-3, respectively. With increasing of water consumption water use efficiencyfresh grain decreased. Maximum forage yield was obtained in I1CT1 equal 2008 gm-2 and minimum forage yield was obtained in I3CT6 equal 1237 gm-2. Available water under plastic mulch, increased plant growth by increasing of leaf area index and shoot biomass due to stomata opening.
The effect of irrigation were significant on grain sucrose percentage, and content of protein. Moreover cultivation techniques effect was also significant on content of grain sugar, sucrose percentage and subsequently the content of grain protein. The maximum grain sucrose percentage was for treatment of 100% water requirement of sweet corn which was equal to 4.92%. Treatment of 75 percentage water requirement, also, the minimum grain sucrose percentage equal to 4.11% was obtained in treatment of 50 percentage water requirement. Retaining of moisture increased the amount of sugar and grain sucrose content. The maximum content of grain protein was equal to 11.41% in treatment of 100 percentage water requirements; also the minimum content of grain protein equal 8.58% was obtained in treatment of 50 percentage water requirement.
By reducing soil moisture, the content of protein and sugar grain increased, so the maximum content of grain protein and sugar were obtained in treatment of 50 percentage water requirement, although the maximum levels of irrigation reduced the content of protein and sugar. Under stress conditions, the plant material requirement is not enough, so by reducing nutrient transport, the leaf and stem cell development delayed, resulting in reduced plant height, leaf area, the content of grain protein, sugar. Finally, dry matter accumulation in the grain decreases with the transfer of nutrients from the leaves, and then it caused early death the leaf.
Conclusions: Application of seedling and plastic mulch accelerated plant growth, its development and then it was out of season production. If there are not water restrictions, application of treatment of 100 percentage water requirement of sweet corn with plastic mulch is desirable to maximum yield produce. Average of water consumption was in treatments of plastic mulch and non-plastic mulch equal to 2735 and 3411 m3 respectively. Maximum content of grain protein and sucrose percentage were obtained in treatments contains plastic mulch. Seedling cultivation in comparison with seed cultivation showed minimum content of grain sugar and grain sucrose percentage. In order to achieve the maximum quality and quantity yield in areas that are faced to water restriction, it is possible to use treatment of 75 percentage of water requirement and seeding cultivation under plastic mulch.
Ali Reza Kiani; Afshin Mosavat
Abstract
Introduction: Lack of water and deterioration in the quality of soil and water resources are considered to be the prime cause of reduced crop yield in arid and semi-arid regions ‘More crop per drop’ by trickle irrigation, deficit irrigation, and uncommon water are the best strategies for mitigating ...
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Introduction: Lack of water and deterioration in the quality of soil and water resources are considered to be the prime cause of reduced crop yield in arid and semi-arid regions ‘More crop per drop’ by trickle irrigation, deficit irrigation, and uncommon water are the best strategies for mitigating water crises. Different irrigation management strategies are needed to increase production in different areas. In areas where sufficient water is available, a full irrigation strategy could be a suitable option, while in areas where water is limited, deficit irrigation would be an appropriate method, and finally in areas where water resources are saline, management strategies for achieving sustainable production as well as economic yields would be suitable. Maize is the third most important grain crop in the world following wheat and rice and it is the main source of nutrition for humans and animals. Because of the importance of maize in the world, increasing maize production under environmental stresses is a big challenge for agricultural scientists. Different methods of irrigation and the use of saline water that had satisfactory results for increasing agricultural production have been studied by several investigators . The main objective of this study was to establish an efficient use of limited water resources as well as to explore the possibility of replacing saline water with fresh water using different management techniques.
Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted over two maize cropping seasons (2012–2013) in northern Iran (Gorgan Agricultural Research Station) to compare different alternate irrigation scenarios using saline water on corn yield, salinity and soil moisture distribution in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were: T1 and T2 = 100 and 50 % of crop water requirement with non-saline water, respectively; T3 and T4 = variable and fixed full irrigation with saline and non-saline water in every other row, respectively; T5 and T6= fixed and variable deficit irrigation with non-saline water in every other rows, respectively and T7= full irrigation with saline water. To create the desired water salinity (8 dS/m), non-saline well water (1.5 dS/m) and drainage water (20–35 dS/m) were blended in different proportions. A T-tape drip irrigation system (20 m in length) was used in the field experiment.
Results and Discussion: In general, corn yield in 2013 was about 1270 kg ha-1 higher than in 2012. From the weather records it can be seen that the second year was drier than the first year. Yield analysis showed that deficit irrigation treatments (T2, T5 & T6) and also alternate salinity treatments (T3 & T4) did not significantly difference. In other words, the deficit irrigation management had no effect on yield. Corn yield in T3 and T4 with 50% of saved fresh water was just reduced to 7 and 1 % of T1, respectively. As a result, comparing treatments T3 and T4 with full irrigation have shown that treatments T3 and T4 are the best option. Comparison of moisture distribution in deficit irrigation treatments showed the highest water content in surface and deep layers was related to the treatments T6 and T2, respectively. The distribution of salinity in the soil profile for treatments T3 and T4 showed that after two years of irrigation with saline water, there is the possibility of use saline water for corn production, but drainage and leaching of soil will need to maintain sustainability.
Conclusion: Naturally, in water scarce areas that use some strategic management such as deficit irrigation or saline water use, there is available arable farmland to further develop the irrigated area, and thereby increase total production. According to the results of the two-years where there was a shortage of water to meet crop water requirement and saline water was not available, the use of deficit irrigation managements as described in this study can save fresh water resources and increase total production and farmer's income. If the region is facing a shortage of water resources and saline water is available nearby agricultural land, it is suggested to use alternate furrow irrigation with saline and non-saline water; with the crop water requirement being met by the saline water, the total output will be higher than using deficit irrigation management with non-saline water. Comparision of the distribution of moisture in deficit irrigation treatments showed that surface soil moisture was lower in the treatment of T5 because it was more lateral distribution. In the deeper layers, soil moisture of the treatment T2 was more than others, because it was the predominant infiltration. The two treatments T3 and T4 because of the combined matric and osmotic potential and the movement of water along the sides and deep percolation, resulting widely distributed in soil moisture and thus remaining lower moisture in the soil compare to full irrigation treatments. Consequently, this finding indicates that after two years of corn irrigation using saline (8 dS/m) and non-saline water in every other row (treatments T3 and T4) production can be increased, and in case of proper leaching and drainage management, agricultural sustainability will also preserve.
M. Hassanli; H. Ebrahimian; M. Parsinejad
Abstract
Using of saline water for irrigation of crops is known as a strategy of on-farm irrigation water management. In this study, the cyclic using of saline and fresh water and its effect on soil salinity were investigated. Field experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design under drip irrigation ...
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Using of saline water for irrigation of crops is known as a strategy of on-farm irrigation water management. In this study, the cyclic using of saline and fresh water and its effect on soil salinity were investigated. Field experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design under drip irrigation for maize crop with 9 treatments. The treatments were based on alternative irrigation management of saline and fresh water use on three salinity levels 0.4, 3.5 and 5.7 dS/m and freshwater application in every one, three and five saline water application (1:1, 3:1 and 5:1, respectively). The results showed that in 1:1 management, soil salinity at the end of growing season compared with the beginning of growing season did not change considerably (reducing of 1.0% and 17.9% for 1S1:1F and 1S2:1F). In 3S2:1F and 5S2:1F treatments, the amount and frequency of fresh water was not enough to remove salts from the soil and at the end of growing season, salt accumulation was seen in soil profile (increasing of 39.0% and 46.2% in soil salinity). In 3S1:1F and 5S1:1F treatments, soil salinity increased 17.9% and 31.6%, respectively, while increasing of soil salinity in S1 treatment was 40.7%. Thus, by 4 irrigations with fresh water in 3S1:1F treatment and 2 irrigations with fresh water in 5S1:1F treatment, reducing of 22.8% and 9.1% in soil salinity was seen in compared with S1 treatment.
M. Khorramian
Abstract
Introduction: North of the Khouzestan is one of the most important citrus production center. Usually border irrigation is used to irrigate citrus in this area. This system has generally low application efficiency. Several investigations in other arid region have demonstrated in addition to improved irrigation ...
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Introduction: North of the Khouzestan is one of the most important citrus production center. Usually border irrigation is used to irrigate citrus in this area. This system has generally low application efficiency. Several investigations in other arid region have demonstrated in addition to improved irrigation efficiency with low-volume pressurized irrigation systems, citrus trees have adapted with these new irrigation systems. However limited information exists on the performance of mature orchards converted from border surface irrigation to pressurized irrigation systems. Therefore, the current research was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of converting surface irrigation to pressurized irrigation systems on mature citrus trees in climate conditions of North Khouzestan.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted during three years at Safiabad Agricultural Research Center to evaluate the yield of citrus trees and the quality of fruits for two Marss and Valencia varieties which grow 7 years previously with surface irrigation and converted to pressurized irrigation systems. The treatments consisted of six irrigation methods including Overhead sprinkle irrigation (OHSI), Under tree sprinkle irrigation(UTSI), Trickle irrigation(TI)(six 8 L/h Netafim emitters), Microjet irrigation (MI)(two 180 microjet were located under canopy near of the trunk at opposite sides of trunk),Bubbler irrigation(BI)(a single located under the canopy of each tree)andSurface irrigation(SI) method.Soil texture was clay loam well drained without salinity(ECe=0.69ds m-1), with 1.25 percent organic carbon. The experimental design was completely randomized design. The trees were irrigated during spring and summer seasons. For calculating irrigation water depth in TI, MI and BI systems, daily evaporation from a class A evaporation pan of the Safiabad weather station (nearby the experimental field) was collected, and evapotranspiration of the citrus trees was calculated applying a pan coefficient of 0.8. During the growth season, soil moisture content was measured before irrigation in root zone depth using weighing method at two points of the beginning and the end of the garden to obtain an average showing changes of the field moisture content. Applied water were measured with flow meter for OHSI, UTSI,TI, MI and BI methods and WSC flume for SI treatment. In middle January after fruit ripening, fruit yield was determined by harvesting all the fruits from six trees located in the center of each plot. Weight of fruits from every tree was recorded. Then, 3kilogram fruits per tree were randomly separated and peel thickness, diameter, weight, juice solid percent, total dissolved solids(TSS) and Citric acid were measured.
Results Discussion: The annual precipitation was 385,345, and 336 mm for 2004, 2005, and 2006 years, respectively. The mean temperature of June, July and August (the warmest months) for 2004, 2005, and 2006 was 45.6, 45.2 and 45.8°C. Higher temperature in third year caused to increase heat stress, so fruit yield decreased. Irrigation water consumption in OHSI and UTSI were among 15000 to 17000 m3ha-1. Continues contact of irrigation water contacting with leaves in OHSI causes the accumulation of salts on the leaf surface and leaf drop in harvest season. Consumed water in BI, MI and TI compared with SI method reduced by as much as 48.6%, 57.2%, and 58.4%, respectively. Because soil wetted area in BI, MI and TI methods were low and about 30 to 50 percent of soil area.
There were significant differences in citrus yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and quality in 1% and 5%, so that comparison of means in Mars variety showed that the yield of trees in TI and SI methods were significantly higher than UTSI method. On the other hand, fruit yield was similar in OHSI, MI, TI and SI methods. Valencia variety fruit yield was similar for in BI, MI, TI and SI methods in all 3 years, and significantly more than OHSI and UTSI although BI, MI, TI used only 48% to 58% of irrigation water compared with SI method. WUE under BI, MI and TI methods was enhanced by 2 to 3 times more than SI,OHSI and UTSI methods because consumed water decreased in BI, MI and TI about 50%. Fruit size and fruit weight of Marss variety in the OHSI and fruit size and fruit weight of Valencia variety in the OHSI, MI and SI were better than other systems and had a significant difference in 1% probability.
Conclusion: Overall results of this study indicated that it is possible to convert SI to BI, MI and TI methods in northern khouzestan orchards without decreasing in fruit yield and quality of citrus trees. Salt accumulation on leaf surface in OHSI method was caused to drop leaves in harvest season.
M. Tabei; Saeid Boroomand Nasab; A. Soltani Mohamadi; A. H. Nasrollahi
Abstract
Introduction: The to be limited available water amount from one side and to be increased needs of world population from the other side have caused increase of cultivation for products. For this reason, employing new irrigation ways and using new water resources like using the uncommon water (salty water, ...
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Introduction: The to be limited available water amount from one side and to be increased needs of world population from the other side have caused increase of cultivation for products. For this reason, employing new irrigation ways and using new water resources like using the uncommon water (salty water, water drainage) are two main strategies for regulating water shortage conditions. On the other side, accumulation of salts on the soil surface in dry regions having low rainfall and much evaporation, i.e. an avoidable case. As doing experiment for determining moisture distribution form demands needs a lot of time and conducting desert experiments are costly, stimulator models are suitable alternatives in answering the problem concerning moving and saltiness distribution.
Materials and Methods: In this research, simulation of soil saltiness under drip irrigation was done by the SWAP model and potency of the above model was done in comparison with evaluated relevant results. SWAP model was performed based on measured data in a corn field equipped with drip irrigation system in the farming year 1391-92 in the number one research field in the engineering faculty of water science, ShahidChamran university of Ahvaz and hydraulic parameters of soil obtained from RETC . Statistical model in the form of a random full base plan with four attendants for irrigating water saltiness including salinity S1 (Karoon River water with salinity 3 ds/m as a control treatment), S2 (S1 +0/5), S3 (S1 +1) and S4 (S1 +1/5) dS/m, in 3 repetition and in 3 intervals of 10 cm emitter, 20 cm emitters on the stack, at a depth of 0-90 cm (instead of each 30 cm) from soil surface and intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days after modeling cultiviation was done. The cultivation way was done handheld in plots including four rows of 3 m in distance of 75 cm rows and with denseness of 80 bushes in a hectar. Drip irrigation system was of type strip with space of 20 cm pores.
Results and Discussion: The results of this section of work have shown in the form of chart drawing and calculating identity indices or recognition (R2), maximum error (ME), normalized root mean second error (NRMSE) and coefficient of residual mass (CRM) in the distances on the stack, 10 and 20 cm dropper. The amount of R2, ME, NRMSE and CRM in 10 cm dripper were calculated to be 0/81, 0/46, 11/77 and 0/018 mg/cm3, in 20 cmdripper 0/78, 0/48, 16/44 and 0/1172 mg/cm3 and on the stack 0/75, 2/8, 18/19 and 0/07 mg/cm3. The highest recognition factor was a distance of 10 cm dripper (81 percent) and then reduces to keep distance from dripper recognition factor . This subject is the highest potency close to the dripper. This can happen for less saltiness in the spaces close to the dripper according to drip irrigation features. The high ME amount shows the less attendance computing of the model, it comes to it’s maximum on the stack, however (2/8 mg/cm3), the distances near to the dripper the obtained ME amount shows the good care in estimating soil saltiness. Also, based on being positive CRM parameter amount was seen. It is less in the amount observed in anticipating of saltiness in the anticipated amount. By considering NRMSE factor, higher amount of anticipating is based on observations.
Conclusion: Generally, the results obtained from stimulating of SWAP show that this model can stimulate saltiness distribution in soil under drip irrigation with salty water. This model can be used as useful tools for evaluation of saltiness distribution around the dripper.
M. Khorami; A. Alizadeh; H. Ansari
Abstract
Increased use of drip irrigation systems in the country and farmer's tendency to use more efficient irrigation systems, has caused need to know about parameters and factors that affect irrigation efficiency. This Study was done to examine how water moves in the soil and soil moisturere distribution at ...
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Increased use of drip irrigation systems in the country and farmer's tendency to use more efficient irrigation systems, has caused need to know about parameters and factors that affect irrigation efficiency. This Study was done to examine how water moves in the soil and soil moisturere distribution at Weather Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Inthisstudy, Hydrus 2D/3D Model performed by using data from laboratory and field analysis. Thes imulation results of soil moistureina 48 hour period were compared with the results offield measurements. The results showed that the model is very capable in simulating moisture contentin thesoil. Statisticalerroranalysiswas described to estimate model parameters using Maximumerror (ME), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Based on the results of RMSE parameter in volume tricsoil moisture, forallintervals and all discharges RMSE was less than 10 percent that it shows that model hashigh ability in simulation. Maximum Error was up to 5% of and Mean Absolute Error was up to 2.05 % of volumetric moisture content.
S.H. Sadreghaen
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the best micro irrigation system for pepper cultivation during two years. The goal of this study was water saving and reduction the disease progress (Phytophthora capsici) in the field condition. Experimental design was split plot based on randomized complete blocks ...
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This study was conducted to determine the best micro irrigation system for pepper cultivation during two years. The goal of this study was water saving and reduction the disease progress (Phytophthora capsici) in the field condition. Experimental design was split plot based on randomized complete blocks design with four replications. Three different drip irrigation methods; drip irrigation with in-line emitter tubes, drip irrigation (tape), and drip irrigation with porous pipes as main plot and three different amount of water (50, 75 & 100% water requirement) were as sub-plot. The result showed that the drip irrigation had the highest effect on disease control. The drip irrigation (tape) with 100% and 75% water requirement treatments had the lowest progress of Phytophthora capsici.In the first year the effect of irrigation method on yield and progress of Phytophthora capsici was significant. The effect of irrigation levels on the characteristics of plant except yield was no significant (α < 0.01), but the effect of irrigation methods on water use efficiency was significant (α < 0.05). The drip irrigation (tape) with 100% and 75% water requirement treatment had the highest water use efficiency. In the second year the effect of irrigation levels and irrigation methods on yield was significant (α < 0.05), but the effects of combination of irrigation levels and methods on yield was not significant. The drip irrigation (tape) with 100% water requirement treatment had the highest yield. The result in two years showed that the pepper is a sensitive plant to water deficit. The drip irrigation (tape) and 100% water requirement treatment had the highest yield (7214 Kg) and water use efficiency (1.311 Kg/m3). The result also showed that the porous pipes had no good efficiency. According to the results, the best option for pepper is drip irrigation (tape) with using 100% water requirement.
