Using geotextile mats to enhance the distribution of water and salinity under sprinkling irrigation – IJAAR

A.Derbala, A. Elmetwalli

King Faisal University, Water Studies Center, Al-Hassa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tanta University, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta, Egypt

Key words: Geotextile, Soil moisture distribution, Sprinkling irrigation.

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out to study the influence of geotextile mats using sprinkling irrigation on the availability of soil moisture content and salinity on top of 40 cm of the soil profile. Navel orange was planted in sandy soil since 10 years ago and was irrigated using sprinkler system. To achieve the objectives of this research, soil moisture content, water distribution, and different water relations such as water application efficiency, water use efficiency, and water stored efficiency were measured. The results indicated that the maximum fruit yield was obtained with mats placed at 20 cm depth, whilst the minimum fruit yield was recorded with the control treatment. The availability of soil moisture content in the root zone increased using geotextile mats at 20 cm depth. The results further showed increases in water use efficiency and water application efficiency using the geotextile mats. In addition, soil salinity in the root zone decreased by increasing soil moisture content. In conclusion, the use of geotextile mats is suitable in newly reclaimed areas to enhance the distribution of water and salinity in the soil profile.