Abstract

MORENO, María Alejandra  and  VILLAFANE, Roberto. Spatial distribution of moisture in three soil profiles under trickle irrigation. Bioagro [online]. 2009, vol.21, n.3, pp.227-231. ISSN 1316-3361.

Since soil spatial variability may affect the moist distribution of a drip irrigated soil, it was studied the moist distribution pattern in three soil profiles. The study was carried out at the experimental field of the Agronomy School of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, in the city  of  Maracay. Drip  irrigation was applied using a Naan PAZ 25 line with 1.7 L·h^-1 emitters located every  33 cm. Three sites selected and soil samples were taken by stratum for bulk density, hydraulic conductivity and texture determinations. Two water volumes were applied (20 and 40 liters per plant) by varying the irrigation time, and soil samples were taken in each site at different depths and distances of the irrigation line for moisture determinations. It was also measured the surface moistened area along the irrigation line. The results were interpreted according to the physical properties of each soil profile. The three profiles showed to be different in their stratification but the moist distribution generated by emitters was similar, with few differences attributed to surface sealing and rough micro-relief, factors that should be considered in the design of trickle irrigation systems.

Keywords : Drip irrigation; moist distribution; soil physics.