Effects of Automated Irrigation Systems and Water Regimes on Soil Properties, Water Productivity, Yield and Fruit Quality of Date Palm

Abstract

Applications of modern micro-irrigation methods are inevitable for optimum water use due to the limitations imposed by irrigation water resource scarcity. Regardless of water shortages and associated challenges in dry areas, the irrigation of date palm trees consumes an excessive quantity of water annually using conventional irrigation methods. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of modern surface and subsurface micro-irrigation systems, i.e., subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI), controlled surface irrigation (CSI), and surface drip-irrigation methods (SDI), with different irrigation water regimes, i.e., 50%, 75%, and 100% irrigation water requirements (IWRs), on the yield and fruit quality of date palms (cv. Khalas) and water conservation in the dryland region of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The effects of three irrigation methods and IWRs were studied on macronutrients and soil chemical properties at three depths (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm), as well as on water productivity, yield, and the fruit quality of date palms. The study was carried out over two years and was designed using a two-factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine replications. The results indicated that electrical conductivity (EC) increased as the depth of the soil increased. The soil chemical properties did not change much in all experimental treatments, while soil pH values decreased with the soil depth from 0–30 to 60–90 cm. Although the maximum fruit yield (96.62 kg palm−1) was recorded when 100% irrigation water was applied in the SSDI system, other treatment combinations, such as SDI at 100% IWR (84.86 kg palm−1), SSDI at 75% IWR (84.84 kg palm−1), and CSI at 100% IWR (83.86 kg palm−1) behaved alike and showed promising results. Similarly, the highest irrigation water productivity (2.11 kg m−3) was observed in the SSDI system at 50% IWR, followed by the SSDI at 75% IWR (1.64 kg m−3) and 100% IWR (1.40 kg m−3). Fruit quality attributes were also promoted with the SSDI system at 75% IWR. Hence, the SSDI method at 75% IWR appeared to be an optimal choice for date palm irrigation in arid areas due to its positive impact on water conservation and fruit characteristics without affecting soil chemical properties.

Prediction of Date Fruit Quality Attributes during Cold Storage Based on Their Electrical Properties Using Artificial Neural Networks Models

“…It has already been reported in a few other studies that the fruit pH decreases with maturity stages, and it is lowest at the final stage of ripening [ 57 , 58 , 59 ]. In general, the increase in the TSS value is related to the decrease in the moisture content of the fruit [ 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

Purchasing decisions on date palm fruits: A quantitative analysis of the Khalas cultivar

“…As stated in the literature, there are new techniques to significantly improve the sensory attributes of cultivars. For instance, solar drying methods [ 36 ], automated irrigation systems [ 37 ], and the use of mycorrhizal fungi [ 38 ]. In terms of price attributes, financial and economic studies must be conducted by traders and exporters to understand the Khalas date market.…”

Modernizing Saudi Arabia's Dates Export Market via Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Growth in the Global Economy

“…By harnessing precision agriculture tools like drones and satellite imagery, farmers can precisely manage date palm health, optimize resource allocation, and mitigate environmental risks, thereby boosting productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, the adoption of drip irrigation systems not only conserves water but also enhances nutrient delivery to date palms, resulting in healthier trees and higher yields (Alnaim et al, 2022). Mechanized harvesting equipment complements these efforts by automating labor-intensive tasks, ensuring timely and efficient harvesting operations, and reducing dependency on manual labor.…”