Evaluation of Yield and Yield Components of Sunflower under Soil Water Potential

Water has been known as an important limiting factor for plant growth and agricultural yields in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a significant input to agricultural production and also an essential requirement for domestic, industrial and municipal activities. Increasing population and standards of living are contributing to a steep rise in demand for fresh water. By using proper irrigation management practices in farmlands, it is possible to utilize water, soil and fertilizer to produce high yield and quality products. Drip irrigation is considered as one of the most efficient irrigation methods. One of its major advantages is the ability to apply water to the soil as often as desired and in smaller quantity than the other irrigation methods. Two systems of drip irrigation including surface and subsurface drip irrigation methods have been widely used in arid and semiarid regions to reduce the water deficiency impact. Subsurface drip irrigation has been used for many years because of its effectiveness in reducing soil surface evaporation. It has been widely used in horticultural crops under both greenhouse and outdoor field conditions. However, the surface drip irrigation system can be used easier than the subsurface drip irrigation system. In addition, deficit irrigation is one of the strategies for efficient use of water and increasing water use efficiency in agricultural district. Deficit irrigation is a suitable solution to gain acceptable and economic performance by using minimum amount of water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and yield components of sunflower affected by different levels of soil matric potential in combination with two contrasting drip irrigation method i.e. surface and subsurface. In addition, water use efficiency as an important criterion of yield was used to achieve the best and more suitable irrigation method under water scarcity conditions.

In order to investigate the irrigation management of sunflower, a field experiment was carried out during 2016 growing season at an experimental farm in Jiroft city. The treatments were laid out in split strip plots based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were comprised of three soil matric potentials of 40, 55, and 70 centibar for initiation of irrigation in the main plot and sub plots consisted of two drip irrigation systems (surface and subsurface). In  the surface systems, drip lines were placed on the soil surface at a distance of 15 cm from the plant and in the subsurface systems, drip lines were placed at a depth of 30 cm. The irrigation time was determined based on the readings of metal tensiometers. These tensiometers were installed in three depths of 15, 30 and 50 cm of soil and at a distance of 20 cm from the plant. In this regard, in both irrigation systems, the mounted tensiometer at a depth of 15 cm of soil was used in the early growth and development, and mounted Tensiometers at depths of 30 and 50 cm soil were used in the middle and final stages of growth. In order to carry out irrigation at the potential point of view, the tensiometers were fully controlled and when the calibrated tensiometer screen showed the desired potential point, irrigation was carried out and the irrigation process continued until the soil moisture reached the crop capacity level. Yield, yield components such as number of seeds per head, along with water use efficiency were measured. Data were statistically analyzed using SAS Statistical software. Treatment means were compared using LSD test.

The results showed that the water usage parsimony of 153.6 mm (21.5 percent) between the 40 and 55 c-bar tensions caused that the yield, number of seeds per head and height of plant decreased by 12.5%, 12.8% and 11%, respectively, but water use efficiency increased 10.3%. Compared with 55 c-bar tention, 70 c-bar also decreased the yield, number of seeds per head and height of plant by 33.4%, 22.9% and 22.5%, respectively but increased water use efficiency by 4.7%. Moreover, the yield in subsurface drip irrigation increased by 499 kg/ha compared with surface irrigation. In addition, parsimony of water usage was 10% and water use efficiency increased by 21.5%. Number of seeds per head and the height of plant increased by 8.2% and 8.7%, respectively in subsurface drip irrigation.

According to the results of this study conducted on sunflower in Jirot area, it was concluded that the application of soil matric potential of 55 centibar in subsurface drip irrigation system is the best approach to increase water use efficiency during periods of drought.