IRRIGATION SCIENCE, vol.31, no.4, pp.689-700, 2013 (SCI-Expanded)
In this research, the effects of soil water retention barriers (SWRB) and irrigation levels on soil water content, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne c.v Caddieshack) water consumption, fresh clipping yield, visual quality and leaf water content were investigated in 2010 and 2011. Treatments consisted of SWRB application at two different soil depths (30 and 40 cm) and three different irrigation levels (100, 66 and 33 % of available water-holding capacity) in sandy soil. Results showed that placement of SWRB at 40 cm depth (SWRB40) together with 34 % water deficit saved 52 % irrigation water compared with the control (no SWRB) treatment. Additionally, 498 and 653 mm total irrigation water were applied. The mean daily plant water consumption values were 5.94 and 6.51 mm in 2010 and 2011, respectively, in the SWRB40 treatment.