ABSTRACT
The automatic subsurface drip irrigation system may increase water use efficiency (WUE) due to reduced evaporation, drip irrigation is an application of water only near the root zone and the entire area is not wetted [6-8].
Sammis [12] compared sprinkler, surface drip, subsurface drip, and furrow irrigation systems for the production of potato and lettuce in New Mexico. Subsurface automatic drip irrigation (SDI) at suction of 20 kPa was among the most efficient irrigation systems. Shae et al. [13] studied four options for management of automatic drip irrigation of potatoes in North Dakota. Automation of the irrigation based on a soil water tension irrigation criterion of 30 kPa had relatively high WUE. Smajstrla et al. [17] compared automated SDI irrigation with the conventional semi-closed seepage subirrigation in Florida. The conventional irrigation system is under criticism because of surface runoff and nutrient contamination of adjoining waterways. The SDI system required more electrical energy but used 36% less water to achieve the same potato yield. Steyn et al. [18] examined irrigation-scheduling options for drip-irrigated potatoes.
