using subsurface water retention technology to save water under root zone of crops in sand and loam (light soil) and increasing the water utilize efficiency and water productivity also increasing yield of crops.
Subsurface water retention technology (SWRT) is a new, long-term approach developed to improve water storage capacities of sandy soils for sustainable crop production. It consists of subsurface polyethylene membranes installed within the soil profile that prevent the loss of irrigation water via deep percolation. https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/vzj/article/14/7/vzj2014.11.0166/91479/Subsurface-Water-Retention-Technology-Improves
The installation of subsurface water retention technology (SWRT) barriers in sandy soils increased both above-ground biomass and food production with substantial reductions of irrigation water. Today’s new SWRT applications to highly permeable soils offer the potential to convert barren landscapes into highly sustainable plant production regions. https://www.potatogrower.com/2018/11/getting-the-most
Newly designed commercial implements precisely install SWRT membranes. These water-retaining troughs, installed across fields, establish optimal soil water, soil nutrients and soil oxygen in potato root zones. Researchers believe they will also improve efficacies of nematode and root pathogen control with fewer pesticides for longer time periods, further reducing plant stress. Currently, four chisel membrane installation implements are pulled through sand and loamy sand soils at depths ranging between 24 and 18 inches. Soils receiving SWRT membranes are leveled behind each machine. Neither potato roots nor worms are able to penetrate these SWRT membranes. https://www.potatogrower.com/2018/11/getting-the-most
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