Optimizing Sugarcane Yield and Water Productivity with Subsurface Drip Irrigation and Sensor-Based Irrigation Scheduling

Abstract

Sugarcane yields can be increased by applying water optimally and utilizing subsurface drip irrigation at the proper depth inside the root zone to maximize irrigation water productivity (IWP). The current study set out to assess the influence of evapotranspiration and sensor-based irrigation along with different depths of subsurface drip laterals on sugarcane yield, juice quality, and irrigation water productivity (IWP). Two crop cycles were used in the experiment, and subsurface drip lateral depths of 20, 25, and 30 cm were used along with five deficit irrigation schedules based on evapotranspiration (ET_c) and soil moisture deficit (SMD) in the soil predicted with the help of sensors for the plant crop (2019–2020) and the ratoon crop (2020–2021). At depths of 25, 30, and 20 cm in the SDI, the yield of commercial cane sugar (CCS) was 13.2, 12.8, and 11.5 mg ha⁻¹, respectively. Reduced water stress led to a considerable increase in cane and CCS yields, which were attained by targeted irrigation scheduling tactics. The irrigation water productivity (IWP) was significantly lower at a drip depth of 20 cm compared to depths of 25 and 30 cm, primarily due to increased evaporation losses at the shallow depth. The study showed that sensor-based SMD irrigation scheduling in plant and ratoon sugarcane crops under the SDI system is feasible. This knowledge offers helpful advice for increasing crop output, maximizing water management in sugarcane farming, and promoting environmentally friendly farming methods in the area.