Moisture Distribution Pattern in Sandy Loam Soil from a Subsurface Point Source

Due to the decline in the quality and quantity of water resources in most part of country a sustainable use of pressurized irrigation systems is required. Herein subsurface drip irrigation as one of the micro irrigation system has been introduced, which reduces evaporation from the surface of soil. Hence, a research project with two treatments of emitter discharge (2, 3.6 liters per hour) and 2 depths of emitter installation from soil surface (30 and 45 cm) were conducted in a soil devoid of vegetation in Kerman research station. The aim of the project was study the effect of the installation depth and discharge of emitter on variation of soil moisture distribution. The results showed that in sandy loam soil texture and according to the properties of soil capillaries, major of water movement has been from emitter installation depth on 30 cm toward soil surface layer. While at emitter installation depth on 45 cm, curves of soil moisture pattern in horizontal and vertical direction were symmetric modes. Also, the emitter discharge increased from 2 to 3.6 lph at a depth of 30 cm, increases the lateral movement of water in the soil, but in the installation depth of 45 cm, significantly due to changes has been in soil moisture in the lower layers as well.