Water Saving in Arid Regions: Comparison of surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems for irrigations of date palm

Abstract

Increasing the water supply in Saudi Arabia is questionable. Policy to achieve water security and food security is to increase the water use efficiency and water productivity producing more with less water in all water sectorial uses particularly the agriculture sector in which receiving nearly 85% of the available water resources. Date palm trees are usually irrigated by the flood irrigation system that uses an abundant amount of water. Applications of traditional irrigation methods such as flood irrigation are not only putting further stress on the already dwindling water resources, but they also happen to be wasteful. Adoption of modern irrigation techniques is needed to be emphasized to increase water use efficiency. Subsurface drip irrigation systems are the most effective way to convey directly water and nutrients to plants and not only save water but also increase yield of crops. The aim of this research is to investigate the efficiency and practicality of subsurface drip system for irrigating date palm trees and to compare subsurface with surface drip irrigation system, especially in areas where water is a limited source.