Modeling Approaches for Determining Appropriate Depth of Subsurface Drip Irrigation Tubing in Alfalfa
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 145, Issue 10
Abstract
Alfalfa provides high-energy feed for dairy cows and other livestock. This crop is also known for its high water-use efficiency. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is an ideal method for meeting crops’ water demands. A major design issue in SDI systems is determining the appropriate dripline depth of placement to provide adequate irrigation. The presented approach used HYDRUS to simulate spatial and temporal distributions of soil moisture content, root water uptake, and drainage of an SDI system commonly used for alfalfa production in Holtville, California, in late summer. The scheme presented supports the design and management of SDI systems for alfalfa by preventing a wet soil surface at harvesting time, maintaining trafficability, delivering the required crop water, and minimizing water loss at the same time. Based on the simulation results and after a sensitivity analysis, a dripline depth of 50 cm is recommended to ensure a drier soil surface at harvesting times, with a run time of 12 h every three days, which satisfies daily crop water needs and minimizes water loss.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Dr. Khaled Bali of the University of California Extension, Dr. Jairo Diaz Director of the Desert Research and Extension Center (DREC) at Holtville, California, and Dr. Daniele Zaccaria and staff at DREC. Their cooperation, suggestions, and permission to measure the rooting depths and densities in subsurface drip irrigated alfalfa plots were essential in this study. The authors would also like to thank Mr. Juan Gonzalez Cena and M.S. Jose Cisneros for their assistance in collecting field data.
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Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 145 • Issue 10 • October 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 13, 2018
Accepted: Apr 12, 2019
Published online: Jul 19, 2019
Published in print: Oct 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Dec 19, 2019
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