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Moistube Irrigation Technology: A Review

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Abstract

Irrigated agriculture is under pressure to increase water use efficiency and crop water productivity because of inter-sectoral competition for scarce water resources. The shift to micro-irrigation has improved crop quality, yield and water use efficiency. Subsurface drip irrigation significantly reduces non-beneficial water balance components such as runoff and soil evaporation. However, the problem of water loss by deep percolation still exists in this method. Moistube irrigation is a relatively new type of irrigation method where water flows out of the Moistube nanopores as a function of soil water potential and operating pressure. It supplies water continuously to the crop at 80–90% of the field capacity. Therefore, it is a form of deficit irrigation. Based on the previous studies, this paper reviews Moistube irrigation technology by highlighting its hydraulic characteristics, crop growth and yield response, water use efficiency, clogging characteristics and the soil water dynamics. Areas which need further research are also described which can provide a reference for further studies in the relevant area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa

    Edwin Kimutai Kanda & Aidan Senzanje

  2. Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China

    Wenquan Niu

  3. School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa

    Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

Authors
  1. Edwin Kimutai Kanda
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  2. Wenquan Niu
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  3. Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
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  4. Aidan Senzanje
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Correspondence to Edwin Kimutai Kanda.

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Kanda, E.K., Niu, W., Mabhaudhi, T. et al. Moistube Irrigation Technology: A Review. Agric Res 9, 139–147 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40003-019-00448-0

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