Effects of different irrigation methods on yield, plant water consumption and some forage quality values of Italian grass (Lolium multiflorum)

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different irrigation methods on yield, quality and water consumption values of Italian grass in Kırklareli conditions. Material and Methods: The study was carried out in a randomized block design with 4 replications. Results: The highest green grass yield (8007.20 kg/da) and the highest dry grass yield (1508.74 kg/da) were obtained from the irrigated plots with the surface drip irrigation system. The highest crude protein content (14.69%) was determined in the plots grown under precipitation-based conditions, and the lowest crude protein content (13.17%) was determined in the plots irrigated with the drip irrigation system placed at a depth of 20 cm. It was found that the average seasonal plant water consumption was 629.74 mm in conditions where Italian grass was irrigated with the above-ground drip irrigation system, 574.74 mm in irrigated conditions at a lateral depth of 20 cm, and an average of 571.65 mm in conditions irrigated at a lateral depth of 40 cm. These findings make the daily plant water consumption values to be 9.29 mm, 8.63 mm and 8.48 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Irrigation applications made with laterals placed at a depth of 40 cm in the subsurface provide water savings, but irrigation with laterals placed at a depth of 20 cm provides both water savings and higher efficiency than irrigation applied at a depth of 40 cm.