Water Uptake Response of Plant in Subsurface Precision Irrigation System

Abstract

The spatial and temporal variability of root-water uptake from the soil remain unclear due to the limitations of the measuring method and subsequently difficult in attempting to accurately model the soil-plant-atmosphere system. In this study, an experimental setup was designed to collect the data needed to develop a more realistic plant water uptake model using a modified subsurface irrigation system that allows the change of soil moisture content. The plant uptake response was determined from evapotranspiration, water consumption and soil moisture content at different soil depths. A plant water uptake model was reviewed and an extension of this model was proposed for the modified subsurface irrigation system. Preliminary investigation was performed using the experimental data and the results were essential.