Field Evaluation of Water and Fertilizer Distribution Uniformity in the Soil Surface and Soil Profile under Micro-Irrigation System

In concern of the fast development of drip irrigation systems and knowing that this method has desirable ability in correct management and fertilize, study on application of fertilizer and chemical solution in micro irrigation systems is necessary. Water and fertilizer distribution uniformity are important considerations for designers and users of micro irrigation systems. In this study water and fertilizer distribution uniformity on the soil surface and in the soil profile were evaluated. Online dripper and tape line were used for distributing water and fertilizer. Injection pump, venturi, and fertilizer tank devices were installed in order to inject the fertilizer into the micro irrigation system. The results indicated that because of lower value of coefficient of manufacturing variability in the tape than online dripper, the operation of tape in water and fertilizer distribution uniformity on surface and in the soil profile was better than online dripper. Evaluation of variations of water and fertilizer application along the laterals and Christiansen's uniformity coefficients on the soil surface and in the soil profile indicated that venturi and injection pump had better operation in fertilizer distribution uniformity than fertilizer tank.