Characterization spatial and temporal patterns of water and solute distribution

Abstract

The use of drip irrigation and marginal water is growing rapidly in some areas, highlighting the need to develop sound fertigation practices that combine environmental and crop production concerns. In this study, we characterize spatial and temporal water and solute distribution patterns to underpin fertigation design and management systems. Experiments were conducted in a soil box, monitoring the distribution of potassium nitrate (KN03) and water flow from a dripper at constant flow rate of 4 L h'1, using time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes. In the interactions between the different profiles, a gradient distribution of the solution in the soil was observed, with greater storage of solution close to the dripper, which decreased gradually as it approached the wetting front. To reduce leaching offertigated ions, the frequent application of small amounts of solution during irrigation is recommended.