Water-Use Efficiency of Potted Pakchoi in Yunnan Laterite with Root Infiltration Irrigation and Anticlogging Emitter

Abstract

A method is developed to calculate crop water consumption based on the water balance principle. An independently designed emitter resistant to clogging caused by negative pressure (EK) is also evaluated. The water-use efficiency (WUE) of pakchoi potted in Yunnan laterite with root-zone infiltration irrigation (IG) and surface drip irrigation (IM) is compared. The results show that IG improves the WUE of pakchoi by 24.05% compared with IM. In IG, the WUE of pakchoi with the EK increases by 9.99% on average compared with an ordinary emitter (EL). Negative pressure suction is observed at the emitter outlets for ELIG, but no water sediment blockage is found with EKIG. This research quantitatively determines how the WUE of pakchoi potted in Yunnan laterite can be improved using IG. The results provide theoretical and experimental support for applying IG and the EK for planting potted vegetables in Yunnan laterite.