Effect of Conservation Tillage and Irrigation Methods on Water Productivity and Wheat Yield in Rotation with Cotton (Case Study in Fars Province)

In this study, effect of conservation tillage and irrigation methods on soil properties, water productivity, and wheat yield was evaluated by using split plot experimental design with nine treatments and three replications. Main plots were irrigation methods including surface irrigation (gated pipe), tape irrigation, and sprinkle irrigation. Tillage methods including zero tillage (direct drilling), reduced tillage, and conventional tillage (control treatment) were considered as sub plots. Soil bulk density, infiltration rate, water consumption, wheat yield, and water productivity were measured in different tillage and irrigation treatments. Results showed that both tillage and irrigation methods had significant effect on soil bulk density in such a way that drip irrigation had the maximum soil bulk density compared to the other irrigation methods. Meanwhile, conservation tillage methods increased soil bulk density compared to the conventional tillage for 2.4%. Wheat yield was higher in pressurized irrigation methods compared to the surface irrigation. The maximum water consumption was related to the surface irrigation, and drip irrigation had the minimum water consumption. Drip and sprinkle irrigation saved water for 59 and 40%, respectively compared to the surface irrigation. The highest water productivity was obtained from drip irrigation and surface irrigation had the lowest water productivity.