INVESTIGATING SOIL-WATER-NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS IN VERTISOLS UNDER DIFFERENT IRRIGATION SCHEDULES

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of precision irrigation strategies on nutrient uptake and crop performance in Vertisols, which are known for their challenging swelling-shrinking behavior and high clay content. Using a quantitative approach, we evaluated soil moisture, nutrient absorption, crop yield, water use efficiency, and salinity across full, deficit, and supplemental irrigation treatments. Results indicate that full irrigation resulted in the highest soil moisture (32.5%) and crop yield (1200 kg/plot), with superior nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake. However, deficit irrigation demonstrated the highest water use efficiency (1.5 kg/m³) and encouraged deeper root growth (28 cm), suggesting its potential for sustainable water management. Supplemental irrigation maintained optimal salinity levels (1.7 dS/m) and provided a balanced yield (1100 kg/plot). Smart irrigation systems and fertigation techniques were shown to enhance precision in nutrient delivery, especially when supported by IoT and sensor-based technologies. Drip irrigation achieved the highest uniformity coefficient (90%), making it ideal for targeted nutrient application. This study concludes that integrating tailored irrigation schedules with smart technologies can significantly optimize resource use, boost crop productivity, and mitigate environmental impacts in Vertisol regions.