Improving water saving, yield, and water productivity of bean under deficit drip irrigation: Field and modelling study using the SALTMED model^*

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted over two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 in Egypt. The aim was to study the effect of irrigation systems (surface and subsurface drip irrigation) and irrigation amounts (100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc) on the yield of bean crop (Phaseolus vulgaris) and evaluate the SALTMED model performance on simulation of soil moisture, total dry matter, and yield. Despite the highest yield values being achieved with the 100% of ETc treatment, there were no significant differences between the 100% and 80%. This means a water saving of 20% can be achieved without significantly compromising the yield. Yield and water productivity under subsurface irrigation was slightly higher than under surface drip irrigation. This is because under subsurface drip irrigation, there is no wetted surface area contributing to evaporation losses as is the case for surface drip. In addition, the soil moisture under subsurface drip is kept within the root zone for the longest possible time without subjecting the crop to water stress. The SALTMED model accurately simulated soil moisture, total dry matter, yield, and water productivity. Hence, the model could be applied as crop, water, and land management tool under current and future Egyptian climatic conditions.

Sustainable Groundwater Management Through Micro Irrigation: A Critical Review on Challenges and Solutions

“…This method of watering ensures that crops receive the proper quantity of water, nutrients, and oxygen, resulting in enhanced plant growth, development, and yield. Micro irrigation improves yield by reducing water stress and maximising nutrient availability (Ghazzawy et al, 2022;Assouline et al, 2002;Dewedar et al, 2021).…”

“…Micro irrigation is a more efficient method for wheat cultivation but has also decreased yield. (Dewedar et al, 2021) have evaluated the effect of different irrigation systems (surface and subsurface drip irrigation) on Been. They found that Yield and water productivity under subsurface irrigation was slightly higher than under surface drip irrigation.…”

Journal of Water and Land Development

“…It seems very likely that the predicted climate change and the associated increase in plants water needs, as well as decrease in available water resources in soils, should result in an increase in irrigated area and an rise in irrigation water requirements. Such scenarios are considered in the other European countries, as well in other parts of the World [ABEDINPOUR et al 2014;DEWEDAR 2021]. For example, net irrigation water needs is expected to increase by 40% in northern Germany, and by as much as 70% in south-eastern England [DÖLL 2002].…”

Identifying Bioactive Compounds in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Plants under Water Deficit Conditions

“…However, it is essential to know the degree of water deficit to which plants can be subjected without inducing a significant reduction in their development and yield [6]. In bean crops, it has been proved that saving 20% of irrigation water, through the application of DI, could be achieved without a significant reduction in yield, since the small decrease in the moisture content within the root zone was not enough to cause water stress while saving 40% of irrigation caused water stress, provoking the lowest yields [28]. In our experiment, a 60% saving in irrigation considerably affected the physiological response of the plants, as observed in the leaf water potential values.…”