Evaluation of steady-state and sensors placement for determining water content and matric potential in drip irrigation

Abstract

The use of steady-state allows to obtain analytical solutions of Richards equation for estimating water distribution in the wetted volume, which facilitates sensor placement studies for soil water content and matric potential monitoring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of stead-state in drip irrigation, under field condition, and to define potential zones for soil water sensor placement. Results showed steady-state only during part of the irrigation event for irrigation frequencies of 2 and 3 days. The potential zones for soil water monitoring, considering the dripper at soil surface corresponded to depths of 0.1 to 0.4 m and radial distances about the dripper greater than 0.1 m. Potential zones for soil water monitoring corresponded to depths of 0.1 to 0.4 m and radial distances about the dripper less than 0.3 m, in case of buried dripper.