Performance Assessment of Subsurface Drip Irrigation System Using Pipes of Varying Flexibility

Subsurface drip irrigation method may play a significant role in overcoming the shortage of water particularly in arid regions. An experimental investigation was carried out to examine the efficiency of varying flexibility pipes installed in subsurface drip irrigation system. The study was also aimed to investigate the effect of subsurface drip irrigation on water requirement and yield of date palms. The testing was undertaken at Al- Qassim, Saudi Arabia. A considerable effect of pipe stiffness was observed on water consumption and yield. It was found that the quantity of irrigation water reduced to 49-53% for drip pipes with low flexibility as compared to that for medium and high flexibility pipes respectively. The yield of date palms also increased and it was found 45-49% more than that for the other two types