Analysis of the effects of conventional and partial root-zone irrigation treatments on maize yield using the SALTMED model under drip-tape irrigation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/jwim.2025.396539.1237

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of conventional irrigation (DI) and partial root-zone drying (PRD) treatments using drip-tape irrigation on the yield of grain maize (hybrid single cross 704), through simulation with the SALTMED model. The experiment was conducted with six irrigation treatments (three levels of 100%, 75%, and 55% of crop water requirement), each replicated three times, at the research farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Tehran. The field experiment followed a split-plot design based on a randomized complete block design and was conducted in Pakdasht City. Results under conventional irrigation showed measured yields of 11.86, 9.80, and 6.12 t/ha for the 100%, 75%, and 55% water requirement levels, respectively. The corresponding model-simulated yields were 11.71, 10.08, and 6.11 t/ha. The statistical indices NRSME were 8.75%, 11.2%, and 12.34%, RMSE were 0.55, 0.52, and 0.34 t/ha, and R² was 0.99. Under PRD treatments, measured yields were 10.10, 8.34, and 5.73 t/ha, while the simulated yields were 10.65, 8.56, and 5.65 t/ha, respectively. The NRSME values were 14.04%, 10.63%, and 9.48%, RMSE were 0.74, 0.39, and 0.27 t/ha, and R² was 0.98. No significant differences were observed between the measured and model-estimated values. The SALTMED model demonstrated good accuracy in predicting maize grain yield, optimizing water consumption, and enhancing irrigation management, particularly for deficit irrigation practices in arid climates.

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Main Subjects

References

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Water and Irrigation Management
Volume 15, Issue 3
December 2025
Pages 509-524

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