The Effect of Different Depths and Spaces of Emitters in Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Water Productivity and Sugarcane Yield

High temperature and evaporation and low quality irrigation water are the most limiting factors for irrigation of sugarcane in Khuzestan. Subsurface drip irrigation can be successful with proper management. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effect of subsurface drip irrigation on Water Productivity and sugarcane yield. Two factors consist of installation depth (15, 20, 30 cm) and emitters spaces (50, 60, 75 cm) were applied in a factorial experiment with randomized complete block design. The results of variance analysis of quantity characteristic indicated that there were significant differences between treatments in terms of installation depths, emitter space and their interactions at 1% probability level. Also the results of quality characteristics showed a significant differences among the emitter's spaces at 1% probability level. Investigation of water productivity index showed that there were significant differences among the emitters space for sugarcane and sugar production at 1% probability level. But there was no significant differences among emitter depths and depth-space interactions. The maximum quantity yield occurred in drip laterals with 50 cm emitter space and 20 cm installation depth. The highest quality yield was seen in laterals with 50 and 60 cm emitter spaces and 15 and 20 cm installation depths. The highest water productivity for sugarcane and sugar production was obtained 7.18 and 0.87 kg /m3 in laterals with emitter space of 60 cm and installation depth of 20 cm. Also the least water productivity for sugarcane and sugar production was 5.17 and 0.61 kg/m3 in laterals with emitter space of 75 cm and installation depth of 20 cm. Finally, according to the obtained results and considering other conditions, laterals with 50 cm emitter space and 20 cm installation depth are suggested for irrigation of sugarcane fields.