Evaluating the Performance of Biocomposite Pipes as a Subsurface Irrigation Method in Culturing Panicum (Panicum antidotale)

Considering the limited access to fresh water resources and intense plant respiration and high evapotranspiration in deserts and arid regions, subsurface irrigation seems to be the most appropriate method for cultivation. The aim of this study was finding a proper subsurface irrigation to supply moisture for plant roots using bio-composite water pipes to supply water for panicum. Experimental design was factorial experiment conducted based on completely randomized block design with three replications in the Faculty of Agriculture in Tarbiat Modarres University in 2015. Main factors included subsurface irrigation using three types of bio-composite water pipes manufactured P3, P8, P9, subsurface irrigation using subsurface porous clay capsules and flood irrigation (control treatment). Secondary factors included three drought stress levels of 25, 50, and 100% of soil field capacity (FC). Results showed that, subsurface irrigation treatment using water pipe P8 and drought stress level of 25%, and FC decrease for 12.68%, was the lowest water consumption in irrigation. In addition, in subsurface irrigation, height, wet and dry weights were significantly different at %1 level compared to flood irrigation. Therefore, with regard to responsiveness of panicum water demand to subsurface irrigation using bio-composite water pipes, and considering the results of this research using subsurface irrigation by bio-composite water pipes, it is recommended to optimize water consumption for urban areas located in arid and semi-arid regions.