Effects of Treflan injection on winter wheat growth and root clogging of subsurface drippers

The clogging of drippers caused by crop root intrusion has been a great concern of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. To attempt to solve the problem of root clogging of drippers, a series of field experiments were conducted in the growing seasons of 2006-2008. The goal was to investigate the effects of Treflan injection on dripper clogging by roots, and on root distribution, yield, and the quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under SDI. For each growing season, two Treflan injection dates (March 6 and April 15 for the 2006-2007 growing season, and March 6 and April 15 for the 2007-2008 growing season) and three injection concentrations of 0, 3, and 7 mg/l were arranged in a randomized block experimental design. During harvest, root length density (RLD) and Treflan concentration at different soil layers were measured using the auger-sampling method. Thirty-five drippers from each treatment were randomly chosen to observe evidence of root intrusion into the dripper flow passage in order to estimate root clogging. The experimental results showed that Treflan injection could effectively reduce root density in areas adjacent to drippers, thereby significantly decreasing the potential of root clogging. In 2007, 4 out of the 35 drippers were found with root intrusion problems in the control (without Treflan injection), while no root clogging existed any dripper in Treflan application treatments. In 2008, 6 drippers from the control but only 1 dripper from those treated with Treflan application showed root clogging. In addition, within the range of concentration used by the current experiment, Treflan concentrations had no significant effects on winter wheat root distribution, yield, and quality. Injection date, however, influenced the vertical root distribution significantly. Injection of Treflan late in the growing season influenced the root distribution only in the areas close to the drippers; the influenced areas increased if Treflan was injected early in the growing season.     

Cotton root and shoot responses to subsurface drip irrigation and partial wetting of the upper soil profile

The ability of cotton roots to grow downwards through a partially-wetted soil (Calcic Haploxeralf) profile toward a water source located beneath them was investigated. Plants were grown in 60-cm-high soil columms (diameter 10 cm), the bottom 15 cm of which was kept wet by frequent drip irrigation, while the upper 45 cm was wetted three times per week up to 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100% of pot capacity. Pot capacity was defined as the water content which gave uniform distribution within the pot and was at a soil matric potential ( _m ) of –0.01 MPa. Plants were harvested 42 and 70 days after emergence (DAE). Root length density was reduced by decreased soil moisture content. At 42 DAE, density was reduced in the soil profile down to 36 cm. The density in the middle segment of the cylinder (24–36 cm) increased at the second harvest, from 0.1 to 0.35 cm · cm^–3 at 40% and from 0.2 to 0.5 cm · cm^–1 at 60% of pot capacity, respectively. A significant rise in root length density was found at all moisture contents above 20% in the two deepest soil segments. It was most marked at 40% where the rise was from 0.2 to 0.8 cm · cm^–3, due to the development of secondary roots at the wetted bottom of the column. When only 20% of pot capacity was maintained in the top 45 cm of the profile, almost no roots reached the wetted soil volume, and root length density was very low. Hydrotropism, namely root growth through dry soil layers toward a wet soil layer was thus not apparent. Root dry weight per unit length decreased with increasing depth in the column at all moisture levels. However, the only significant decrease was, found between the top and the second soil segments and was due to thicker primary roots in the top segment. There was no clear relationship between length and dry weight of roots. Total plant dry weight and transpiration were reduced significantly only at 20% of pot capacity. Dry matter production by roots was less severely inhibited than that by shoots, under decreased moisture content in the soil profile. Leaf water potential decreased when the soil moisture content of the top 45 cm of the profile was reduced below 60% of pot capacity. It was concluded that even at soil moisture content equivalent to a _m of 0.1 MPa, the rate of root growth was sufficient to reach a wetted soil layer at the bottom of the soil column, where the plant roots then proliferated. This implies that as long as the soil above the subsurface dripper is not very dry there is no real need for early surface irrigation.     

Yield, water-use efficiencies and root distribution of soybean, chickpea and pumpkin under different subsurface drip irrigation depths and oxygation treatments in vertisols

Most trickle irrigation in the world is surface drip yet subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) can substantially improve irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) by minimizing evaporative loss and maximizing capture of in-season rainfall by the soil profile. However, SDI emitters are placed at depths, and in many soil types sustained wetting fronts are created that lead to hypoxia of the rhizosphere, which is detrimental to effective plant functioning. Oxygation (aerated irrigation water) can ameliorate hypoxia of SDI crops and realize the full benefit of SDI systems. Oxygation effects on yield, WUE and rooting patterns of soybean, chickpeas, and pumpkin in glasshouse and field trials with SDI at different emitter depths (5, 15, 25, and 35 cm) were evaluated. The effect of oxygation was prominent with increasing emitter depths due to the alleviation of hypoxia. The effect of oxygation on yield in the shallow-rooted crop vegetable soybean was greatest (+43%), and moderate on medium (chickpea +11%) and deep-rooted crops (pumpkin +15%). Oxygation invariably increased season-long WUE (WUE_sl) for fruit and biomass yield and instantaneous leaf transpiration rate. In general, the beneficial effects of oxygation at greater SDI depth on a heavy clay soil were mediated through greater root activity, as observed by general increase in root weight, root length density, and soil respiration in the trialed species. Our data show increased moisture content at depth with a lower soil oxygen concentration causing hypoxia. Oxygation offsets to a degree the negative effect of deep emitter placement on yield and WUE of SDI crops.     

Numerical simulations of steady-state subsurface drainage with vertically decreasing hydraulic conductivity

Most subsurface drainage equations assume either homogeneous, two-layer or three-layer soil conditions. Finite difference simulations were performed to quantify the effect of gradually decreasing hydraulic conductivity on watertable depths for steady-state subsurface drainage. For vertically decreasing hydraulic conductivity, and for cases where drain spacing was based on effective hydraulic conductivity of the 0.5 to 2.0 m layer, mid-spacing watertable depth ranged from 0.282 to 0.900 m. The average value was 0.718 m, which is considerably shallower than the 0.9 m design value used for determining drain spacing. These higher watertables may have detrimental effects on crop yield, especially in arid areas where soil salinity is a problem. The importance of the difference between actual and design watertable depths was mostly related to the type of hydraulic conductivity decrease function, drain depth, and drainage rate. These differences are explained by the position of the drain within the soil profile and the effect of the spacing on the equivalent depth of flow. Using effective hydraulic conductivity of the 0.5 to 3.0 m layer for determining drain spacing reduced the error. For an effective hydraulic conductivity value of 0.3 m/d, the average watertable depth increased from 0.748 m for the 2.0 m auger hole to 0.829 m for the 3.0 m hole. The results presented can be used to estimate the error on watertable depth resulting from ignoring the vertical variations of hydraulic conductivity.     

Managing subsurface drip irrigation in the presence of shallow ground water

A 3-year project compared the operation of a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) and a furrow irrigation system in the presence of shallow saline ground water. We evaluated five types of drip irrigation tubing installed at a depth of 0.4 m with lateral spacings of 1.6 and 2 m on 2.4 ha plots of both cotton and tomato. Approximately 40% of the cotton water requirement and 10% of the tomato water requirement were obtained from shallow (<2 m) saline (5 dS/m) ground water. Yields of the drip-irrigated cotton improved during the 3-year study, while that of the furrow-irrigated cotton remained constant. Tomato yields were greater under drip than under furrow in both the years in which tomatoes were grown. Salt accumulation in the soil profile was managed through rainfall and pre-plant irrigation. Both drip tape and hard hose drip tubing are suitable for use in our subsurface drip system. Maximum shallow ground water use for cotton was obtained when the crop was irrigated only after a leaf water potential (LWP) of −1.4 MPa was reached. Drip irrigation was controlled automatically with a maximum application frequency of twice daily. Furrow irrigation was controlled by the calendar.     

Optimal sampling density of hydraulic conductivity for subsurface drainage in the Nile delta

The density of hydraulic conductivity measurements is of primary importance for the design of large-scale subsurface drainage projects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sampling density on hydraulic conductivity estimation, and to determine the optimal sampling density using results of 3488 hydraulic conductivity tests from a 33 500 ha subsurface drainage project in the Nile Delta of Egypt. Kriging was used to obtain hydraulic conductivity point and block estimates based on the original 300 m sampling grid and on reduced sampling grids with spacings of 600, 900, and 1200 m. Kriged estimates from the complete grid were compared to those from reduced grids. The correlation coefficient between kriged estimates of block hydraulic conductivity based of the 300 m versus the 600 m measurement grid was larger than 0.90, which indicates that the optimal sampling grid spacing is in the order of 600 m. Slopes of the estimation standard deviation versus sampling density showed that the optimal sampling grid spacing was between 400 and 600 m, and could be determined from sampling grids with a spacing of 900 m or less. It appears that, for the Nile Delta, the optimal sampling density of hydraulic conductivity can be determined from a preliminary survey with a grid spacing of 900 m.     

Discharge rates,salinities, and the performance of subsurface collector drains in Egypt

To evaluate the hydraulic performance of subsurface collector drains and to study the relationships between discharge rates, crop patterns, and the salinity of drainage water, subsurface drains were monitored in different parts of the Nile Delta and Valley.Actual discharges were much smaller than design discharges. Also, overpressure in the pipes occurred frequently, indicating too small a capacity in the design. From research in one pilot area, it was concluded that if construction methods and materials are not improved, the roughness factor in the design should be increased by 100% to allow sufficient capacity.The cultivation of rice increases discharges. Salinity of drainage water is higher in winter than in summer, and higher in the north of the Delta than in the south.     

Performance of different filter combinations with surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems for utilizing municipal wastewater

Large volumes of wastewater (WW) are being generated worldwide as a consequence of rapid urbanization and growth of industries. The reuse of WW finds increased application in irrigation but the presence of toxic elements and microorganisms limits its use for irrigation purpose. To reduce the contamination of WW for irrigation, drip system is seen as an appropriate choice due to restricted quantity of water application. Emitter clogging is viewed as the main problem associated with drip system for its large-scale use with WW. Physical and chemical characteristics of WW were determined and compared with groundwater (GW). Higher EC, pH, Mg, and CO₃ were observed in the GW but higher turbidity, total solids, HCO₃, and Ca were observed in the WW. The population of total coliforms (2.72 × 10⁴ to 5.2 × 10⁷) and E. coli (1.8 × 10³ to 2.64 × 10⁶) were detected in WW. The hydraulic performance of drip emitters was studied for 2 years with WW and GW using sand media filter (F1), disk filter (F2), and combination of both filters (F3). Higher removal efficiency for turbidity, total solids, Ca, Mg, CO₃ total coliforms, and E. coli was observed with combination filter. Emitter discharge exponent was also close to 0.5 with combination filter. Emitter flow rate decreased (in the sequence of F1 > F2 > F3) with increase in time of operation. After 2 years of operation under F3, coefficient of variation was less than 4 % with both WW and GW. Thus, it showed good performance in surface placed emitters but it was 7.2 % with WW and 9.5 % with GW under subsurface (15 cm) placed emitters. Clogging of emitters was controlled by flushing. Flushed emitters placed at 30 cm depth resulted in 3.7 % reduction in discharge as compared to 8.7 % reduction in the absence of flushing, under filter F1. Emitters with F2 produced least improvement in discharge.     

地下滴灌中毛管水力计算的数学模型与试验

为了研究地下滴灌毛管水力特性与水力计算方法,用较短毛管并通过毛管末端泄流的方式,在室内利用地下滴灌毛管水力要素试验测试系统,分别测试了2种滴灌管在轻黏土中毛管上每个滴头的流量和毛管首末两端的压力水头．结果表明：在灌水持续2min之后,地下滴灌毛管上各滴头流量均趋于恒定值;在稳定的压力水头差下,滴头流量沿程依次减少．根据毛管沿程压力变化规律,结合考虑土壤质地、土壤体积质量和初始含水率的地下滴灌滴头流量计算公式,提出了毛管水力计算数学模型．利用该模型计算的滴头流量值与其实测值之间的相对误差在1．0％左右;并计算出考虑毛管局部水头损失的加大系数约为1．20．将该模型推广应用于一般情况下的地下滴灌毛管水力计算,可求解均匀坡、均质土、均匀管径与滴头等间距时的地下滴灌毛管水力特征值．     

Controlling nitrogen release from farm ponds with a subsurface outflow device: Implications for improved water quality in receiving streams

The retention of nutrients in farm ponds has many potential benefits, including reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus (promoters of eutrophication) in receiving streams. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial subsurface pond outflow control device (Pond Management System™) on nutrient retention in farm ponds. Four ponds of similar size and water chemistry in the upper Tar River basin of North Carolina, USA were studied; three were equipped with the pond outflow control device and one was retained without a device (normal surface outflow) that served as a reference site. Water samples were collected monthly from each pond at 0.3 m intervals from the surface to 2.1 m at a fixed station adjacent to the pond standpipe and from the pond outflow pipe from March to October 2005. The water samples were analyzed for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), chlorophyll a, and a suite of other physicochemical variables. In ponds with the subsurface outflow device, the mean N concentrations in the outflow were substantially less (6.2–20.7%) than concentrations at the pond surface. Concentrations of N in the outflow were similar to N concentrations at intermediate pond depths (0.9–1.5 m), the depth of the outflow devices, indicating water was drawn from these depths and that N was being retained in the surface layers of the pond. Also, mean water temperatures were 1.1–1.9 °C cooler at intermediate depths compared to the surface, suggesting potential application of the outflow device for minimizing warm water outflows to receiving streams. These results provide evidence that under these conditions a subsurface pond outflow device can reduce nutrient release to receiving streams, thereby increasing overall stream water quality.     

Emitter discharge variability of subsurface drip irrigation in uniform soils: effect on water-application uniformity

Emitter discharge of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) decreases as a result of the overpressure in the soil water at the discharge orifice. In this paper, the variation in dripper discharge in SDI laterals is studied. First, the emitter coefficient of flow variation CV _q was measured in laboratory experiments with drippers of 2 and 4 L/h that were laid both on the soil and beneath it. Additionally, the soil pressure coefficient of variation CV _hs was measured in buried emitters. Then, the irrigation uniformity was simulated in SDI and surface irrigation laterals under the same operating conditions and uniform soils; sandy and loamy. CV _q was similar for the compensating models of both the surface and subsurface emitters. However, CV _q decreased for the 2-L/h non-compensating model in the loamy soil. This shows a possible self-regulation of non-compensating emitter discharge in SDI, due to the interaction between effects of emitter discharge and soil pressure. This resulted in the irrigation uniformity of SDI non-compensating emitters to be greater than surface drip irrigation. The uniformity with pressure-compensating emitters would be similar in both cases, provided the overpressures in SDI are less than or equal to the compensation range lower limit.     

Gaseous losses of nitrogen by ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emissions from rice paddies with different irrigation management

To reveal the influence of non-flooding controlled irrigation (NFI) on gaseous nitrogen (N) losses in forms of ammonia volatilization (AV) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from high N inputs rice paddies, lysimeter experiments were conducted with flooding irrigation (FI) as check. Compared with FI paddies, AV losses in NFI paddies decreased by 18.5–20.5 % and N₂O emissions increased by 1.43–1.9 kg N ha^?1. Weekly AV losses immediately after fertilization accounted for over 83 % of seasonal losses in both treatments. High N₂O emissions from NFI paddies always occurred in drying process after N application, with peaks observed when water-filled pore space (WFPS) fell in 75–85 %. Water management immediately after N fertilization is crucial for mitigating gaseous N losses from rice paddies. Bringing N into shallow rhizosphere by irrigation and covering it with deep water will be helpful in preventing AV. Maintaining a flooding period and keeping WFPS higher than 85 % in the first drying process after fertilization might be effective to reduce N₂O emissions peaks for NFI paddies.     

HYDRUS simulations of the effects of dual-drip subsurface irrigation and a physical barrier on water movement and solute transport in soils

Subsurface drip irrigation systems, compared to other irrigation systems, enhance the delivery of water and nutrients directly into the root zone. However, in light-textured soils, certain quantities of water may percolate below the root zone due to the subsurface position of drip lines and/or poor management of irrigation systems. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate three technologies to enhance a spatial distribution of water and solutes in the root zone and to limit downward leaching. The three technologies include (a) a physical barrier, (b) a dual-drip system with concurrent irrigation, and (c) a dual-drip system with sequential irrigation. To achieve this objective, we performed computer simulations using the HYDRUS (2D/3D) software for both bare and vegetated soils. The results indicate that the physical barrier is more efficient than dual-drip systems in enhancing the water distribution in the root zone while preventing downward leaching. On the other hand, the dual-drip system improves water distribution in sandy soils. Additionally, the dual-drip system with sequential irrigation, followed by the dual-drip system with concurrent irrigation, is the most efficient in limiting downward leaching of solutes.     

Adaptability constraints of a technically and economically feasible subsurface drainage system in the low-lying acid sulphate soils of Kerala,India

This paper discusses the introduction of subsurface drainage as a tool to improve rice production in low land areas of acid sulphate soils. Pipe drains with 15 and 30 m spacing were installed in farmers fields in coastal lowlands of Kerala, India, at Kuttanad. Soil conditions improved within 2 years after the introduction of the subsurface drainage and significantly improved the crop yield. Data collected over a period of 14 years, showed a yield increase of 1.1 t/ha (43%) compared to non-drained areas. An economic analysis indicated that subsurface drainage is feasible with a benefit–cost ratio of 2.45, an internal rate of return of 47% and a net present value of Rs 5.17 million. The poor financial status of the farmers, however, is the main constraint for the large-scale adoption of the comparatively capital-intensive subsurface drainage systems in the acid sulphate soils of Kerala.     

Comparative evaluation of phosphorus losses from subsurface and naturally drained agricultural fields in the Pike River watershed of Quebec, Canada

Phosphorus (P) is the limiting nutrient responsible for the development of algal blooms in freshwater bodies, adversely impacting the water quality of downstream lakes and rivers. Since agriculture is a major non-point source of P in southern Quebec, this study was carried out to investigate P transport under subsurface and naturally drained agricultural fields with two common soil types (clay loam and sandy loam). Monitoring stations were installed at four sites (A, B, C and D) in the Pike River watershed of southern Quebec. Sites A-B had subsurface drainage whereas sites C-D were naturally drained. In addition, sites A-C had clay loam soils whereas sites B-D had sandy loam soils. Analysis of data acquired over two hydrologic years (2004-2006) revealed that site A discharged 1.8 times more water than site B, 4 times more than site C and 3 times more than site D. The presence of subsurface drainage in sandy loam soils had a significant beneficial effect in minimizing surface runoff and total phosphorus (TP) losses from the field, but the contrary was observed in clay loam soils. This was attributed to the finding that P speciation as particulate phosphorus (PP) and dissolved phosphorus (DP) remained relatively independent of the hydrologic transport pathway, and was a strong function of soil texture. While 80% of TP occurred as PP at both clay loam sites, only 20% occurred as PP at both sandy loam sites. Moreover, P transport pathways in artificially drained soils were greatly influenced by the prevailing preferential and macropore flow conditions.     

On quantifying soil water deficit of a partially wetted root zone by the response of canopy or leaf conductance

Quantifying the soil water deficit (SWD) and its relation to canopy or leaf conductance is essential for application of the Penman–Monteith equation to water-stressed plants. As the water uptake of a single root depends on the water content of the soil in its immediate vicinity, the non-uniform distribution of water and roots in the soil profile does not allow simple quantification of SWD from soil-based measurements. Using measurements of stem sap flux (with a heat pulse technique), soil evaporation (with micro-lysimeters) and meteorological parameters the canopy conductance was obtained through inversion of the Penman–Monteith equation. SWD was evaluated by averaging the soil water content profile of the root zone (monitored by layers with the TDR sensors) weighted by root distribution of the layers. The average canopy conductance at midday (11:00–15:00, Israel Summer Time), denoted as G_noon, was computed for each day of the experimental period. Stable summer weather, typical of the Mediterranean region, and the fully developed crop canopy, made water stress the only plausible cause of a G_noon decline. However, the daily decline of G_noon did not occur at the same weighted average soil water content during the successive drying cycles. For the cycle with less irrigation, the decline in G_noon occurred at higher soil moisture levels. Alternatively, when SWD was determined from the water balance, i.e., by defining water deficit as irrigation minus accumulated evapotranspiration, the G_noon decline occurred at the same value of water deficit for all irrigation cycles. We conclude that a climate-based soil water balance model is a better means of quantifying SWD than a solely soil-based measurement.     

Experimental study on movement of particles in centrifugal impeller

The slurry pump is the key component of a dredger. Solid particles have strong influence on the performance of a slurry pump. The movement of solid particles in a centrifugal impeller was studied using particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement. The experiments were conducted in a dredging pump model at Hohai University. Some transparent glass spheres with diameter of 02-04 mm were used as solid particles. The concentration and relative velocities of the particles were analyzed to investigate the particle trajectory. The results show that the concentration of the particles on the pressure surfaces of the blades is higher than on the suction surfaces, and the particles tend to move towards the suction surfaces. Moreover, the particles have faster relative velocities than the liquid phase through the flow channels of the impeller.     

Cost–benefit analysis of a regulated deficit-irrigated almond orchard under subsurface drip irrigation conditions in Southeastern Spain

A cost–benefit analysis was performed for a mature, commercial almond plantation [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] cv. Cartagenera in Southeastern Spain to determine the profitability of several regulated-deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies under subsurface drip irrigation conditions (SDI), compared to an irrigation regime covering 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The plantation was subjected to three drip irrigation treatments for 4 years: T1 (control, surface drip irrigation)—irrigated at 100% ETc throughout the growth cycle, T2 (RDI treatment under SDI)—an irrigation strategy that provided 100% ETc except during the kernel-filling period, when only 20% ETc was provided and T3 (RDI treatment under SDI)—an irrigation strategy that provided 100% ETc except during the kernel-filling period (20% ETc) and post-harvest (50% ETc). A 45% water saving was achieved with strategy SDI T3, while almond production was reduced by only 17%, increasing water use efficiency compared to the control irrigation regime. SDI T3 had fixed overhead costs 9% higher than T1, however, the operating costs were 21% lower for SDI T3 compared to T1. This reduction in costs was basically due to the 45% saving in the cost of water and the corresponding saving in electricity. The break-even point was lower in SDI T3; each kilogram of almonds cost 0.03€ less to produce than in the control conditions. Related to this, the maximum price of water for obtaining profit 0 was 0.21€ m⁻³ for SDI T3 compared to 0.18€ m⁻³ for T1, indicating that higher water costs can be borne in SDI T3 (up to 0.03€ m⁻³ more expensive). Finally the profit/total costs ratio (used as an expression of the overall profitability of the orchard) indicated a greater profitability for the treatment SDI T3 compared to T1 (10.46 and 9.27%, respectively). The RDI strategy SDI T2 did not show economic indices or water use efficiency as much as those of SDI T3. From these results we conclude that RDI applied during kernel-filling and post-harvest under SDI conditions, and specifically the irrigation strategy SDI T3, may be considered economically appropriate in semiarid conditions in order to save water and improve water use efficiency.     

微灌用均质砂滤料过滤粉煤灰水时对颗粒质量分数与浊度的影响

为了搞清楚微灌用均质砂滤料的过滤效果,作者开展了均质砂滤料过滤对粉煤灰水质的固体颗粒质量分数和水质浊度影响的模型试验。对颗粒质量分数影响试验显示：虽然颗粒质量分数的平均滤除率均在59%以上,但试验数据变化幅度很大,说明过滤对颗粒质量分数的影响较为复杂;滤除率与过滤速度成负相关,与原水颗粒质量分数成正相关;试验数据验证了敏茨过滤方程表述的“过滤是吸附和脱落交互发生的过程”对微灌过滤条件的合理性,证明了微灌过滤水流流态均为非层流,多数情况处在层流与紊流的过渡区内。对浊度影响试验发现：滤层厚度对浊度滤除比起决定性的作用,浊度粒子吸附与脱落时间均大约在5～6 min,滤速对浊度去除率的影响是有限的。比较2个试验可看出：滤后水的颗粒质量分数和浊度值是2个不相关的参数,其过滤过程是截然不同的,进而得出以浊度指标来判断微灌过滤和反冲洗效果是不科学的。该试验为今后微灌过滤技术的发展提供了参考。