Effect of Subsurface Drip Irrigation on the Fruit Yield, Water Productivity, and Growth Parameters of Grapevine

Mousavifazl, Syeed Hassan

doi:10.22092/idser.2026.372100.1639

Document Type : Original Article

Author

syeed Hassan mousavifazl

Assistant Professor, Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center Semnan province (Shahrood), AREEO, Shahrood, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22092/idser.2026.372100.1639

Abstract

Extend Abstract
Intouduction
Drip irrigation is recognized as one of the most efficient methods for irrigating orchards and vineyards in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated the effects of two irrigation methods, surface drip irrigation (DI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), on yield, water productivity, growth parameters, and weed development in grapevines. The research was conducted in 2020 and 2021 at the Research Station of Bastam, Semnan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Shahroud, Iran.
Materials and Methods
The study was designed with two factors: irrigation method (surface and subsurface) and different irrigation water amounts (50%, 75%, and 100% of the plant’s water requirement). A split-plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out. In the surface drip irrigation method, lateral pipes were placed 50 cm far from the tree trunk on the soil surface, while in the subsurface drip irrigation method, the lateral pipes were placed 50 cm far from the tree trunk and at a depth of 40 cm under the soil. Irrigation water was calculated using the Penman-Monteith method, and plants received irrigation every 3 days based on the designated water levels. The study examined the effects of experimental factors on crop yield, water productivity and growth characteristics of trees including the longitudinal growth of branches and their diameter were investigated in different treatments.
Results
The results showed that the effects of irrigation method and irrigation water amount, as well as their interaction effects, on fruit yield were significant at the 5% level. The effect of irrigation method on weed growth was also significant; however, the individual effect of irrigation water amount and its interaction with irrigation method did not significantly affect weed growth. The maximum fruit yield was obtained from the subsurface drip irrigation treatment combined with 75% and 100% of crop water requirement (51,600 and 53,080 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). The yield difference between these two treatments was not statistically significant. The yield difference between subsurface drip irrigation and surface drip irrigation methods was approximately 12%. This indicates that a portion of the water applied to the orchard is lost through surface evaporation and is also used by weeds.
Conclusion
Considering the performance of the treatments and the need to conserve water, the subsurface drip irrigation method with 75% irrigation water is recommended as the best treatment for grape orchards. This method ensures higher water use efficiency and reduced weed growth, while maintaining an adequate crop yield.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Pressurized Irrigation Systems

References

Alizadeh, A. (2006). Pressurized Irrigation Systems Design (Vol. 2, 368 pp.). Imam Reza University Press. (In Persian)

Anon. (2018). Agricultural Statistics (Horticultural Products) for the 2017–2018 Agricultural Year. Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad, Deputy of Planning and Economics, Information and Communication Technology Center. (In Persian)

Anon. (2019). Komash Analytical Report for the 2017–2018 Agricultural Year. Semnan Province Meteorological Organization. (In Persian)

Chaves MM., Zarrouk O., Francisco R, et al. (2010). Grapevine under deficit irrigation: hints from physiological and molecular data. Annals of Botany, 105(5), 661-676.

Daller, D., Stamm, P., & Roth, H.-R. (2013). Economic evaluation of subsurface drip irrigation systems as a function of lateral spacing. Agricultural Water Management, 128, pp.1–10.

DeGaris, K. A., Walker, R. R., Loveys, B. R., & Tyerman, S. D. (2015). Impact of deficit irrigation strategies in a saline environment on Shiraz yield, physiology, water use and tissue ion concentration. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 21(3), pp.468–478.

Dolati Baneh, H., & Noorjoo, A. (2011). Effect of deficit irrigation on quantitative and quality traits of fruit and water productivity of three grapevine cultivars. Seed and Plant Production Journal, 27(3), pp.435–450.

Finger, S., Lamm, F. R., & Stone, L. R. (2015). Subsurface drip irrigation management effects on crop yield and water productivity. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 31(2), pp.189–201.

Ghassab, M. R., Abdshahi, A., & Marzban, A. (2020). Determination of physical and economic agricultural water productivity (Case Study: Dezful County). Journal of Agricultural Economics Research, 12(3), pp.42–79. (In Persian)

Jolini, M. (2006). Investigating the effect of drip irrigation method and different water levels on yield and water use efficiency in grapes. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 7(28), pp.69–78. (In Persian)

Kozlowski TT., & Pallardy SG. (2002). Acclimation and Adaptive Responses of Woody Plants to Environmental Stresses. The Botanical Review, 68(2), 270-334.

Lamm, F. R., Ayars, J. E., & Nakayama, F. S. (2007). Microirrigation for crop production – Design, operation, and management (pp.618). Elsevier, Amsterdam.

Lamm, F. R. (2016). Subsurface drip irrigation and possibilities in alfalfa. In Proceedings of the California Alfalfa and Forage Symposium (November, Reno, Nevada).

Lebon E., Pellegrino A., Tardieu F., & Lecoeur J. (2006). Branch development controls leaf area dynamics in grapevine (Vitis vinifera) growing in drying soil. Annals of Botany, 98(1), 175-185.

Matthews, M. A., & Nuzzo, V. (2007). Berry size and yield paradigms on grapes and wines. BioScience, 57(1), pp.41–52.

Pisciotta, A. (2017). Subsurface drip irrigation in vineyards: effects on yield, grape quality and water productivity. Scientia Horticulturae, 225, pp.85–92.

Sheren A. Abed El-Hamied, A., Zaen El-Deen, E. M. A., & El-Hagarey, M. E. (2017). Management of irrigation systems to improve productivity and quality of grapevine under desert conditions. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 10, pp.77–90.

Shatkovskyi, A., Melnychuk, F., Retman, M., Gulenko, O., & Kaliley, V. (2022). Weed development in sunflower and chickpea crops depending on micro-irrigation methods. Land Reclamation and Water Management, (1), 97-103.

Tafazoli, A., Hekmati, J., & Firoozeh, P. (1996). Grape (343 pp.). Shiraz University Press.

Van Halsema, G. E., & Vincent, L. (2012). Efficiency and productivity terms for water management: A matter of contextual relativism versus general absolutism. Agricultural Water Management, 108, pp.9–15.

Irrigation and Drainage Structures Engineering Research

Effect of Subsurface Drip Irrigation on the Fruit Yield, Water Productivity, and Growth Parameters of Grapevine

References

References

Volume 26, Winter - Serial Number 101
January 2026
Pages 48-31

Effect of Subsurface Drip Irrigation on the Fruit Yield, Water Productivity, and Growth Parameters of Grapevine

References

References

Volume 26, Winter - Serial Number 101January 2026Pages 48-31

Volume 26, Winter - Serial Number 101
January 2026
Pages 48-31