Performance characteristics of self-regulating low energy clay-based irrigation system in different soil types

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance characteristics of a self-regulating low-energy clay-based irrigation (SLECI) system in different soil types. A laboratory experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with nine replicates. The treatment consisted of three types of soil (clay, sand and loam). Data was collected on performance parameters of the SLECI system such as seepage rate, hydraulic conductivity and drainage porosity. The results showed that the highest hydraulic conductivity of 0.000186 cm/s was recorded in sandy soils, followed by 0.0001752 cm/s in loamy soils, and the minimum hydraulic conductivity of 0.0001163 cm/s was recorded in clay soils. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) between the seepage rates recorded in sandy soil (4.853 cm2/day) and loamy soil (4.227 cm2/day), but both were significantly higher than that of the clay soil (3.363 cm2/day). The highest wetting perimeter of 75.9 cm was recorded in loamy soils, followed by 56.73 cm and 55.89 cm for clay and sandy soils respectively, translating into 25% and 26.3% greater wetting perimeter. This study shows that the SLECI system performs differently in different soil types with different hydraulic characteristics which might influence water availability for plants’ uptake.