SOIL SOLUTION DISTRIBUTION IN SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION IN SUGARCANE

Abstract Given the lack of studies on subsurface drip irrigation in sugarcane plantations, there has been a growing demand for such information, mainly regarding soil solution profile and availability to plants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil-water solution distribution on qualitative and quantitative traits of sugarcane irrigated by subsurface drip irrigation at two flows (1.6 and 3.5 L h−1). For each application rate, four PVC containers (500 L) were used and filled with sandy soil, where a set of 36 TDR probes was installed. Drippers were placed at a depth of 0.30 m. Irrigation was managed based on TDR daily measurements, maintaining soil moisture within the root zone at field capacity. Sugarcane variety used was RB 845210, being fertigated according to soil chemical analysis. The results showed that the distribution of soil-water solution became stable at different depth layers during applications, highlighting a relationship between soil solution storage and wetted soil volume. Moreover, irrigation flow rates had no effect on the distribution of water and nutrients throughout the soil profile, neither crop yield, technological quality nor root density.