Effect of irrigation systems and deficit irrigation level on the root-zone water status, seed yield and water Productivity of canola under Egypt climatic conditions

Field experiments were conducted during two canola cultivation seasons at the experimental farm of the National Research Centre, El-Nubaria, Al- Buhayrah governorate in northern Egypt. The experimental design and treatments were split plot with three replications. Irrigation systems (Sprinkler Irrigation system and Drip Irrigation system) in main plots and deficit irrigation levels (I100:100% Full Irrigation "FI", I90: 90%FI, I80: 80% FI, I70: 70%FI, I60: 60%FI and I50: 50% FI) were used in sub main plots. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the highest value of moisture content within the root zone of canola plants, corresponding to the lowest water stress, was achieved with sprinkler irrigation at 100% of the full irrigation. It was also clear that the lowest value of soil moisture content was achieved with drip irrigation at 50% of the full irrigation. In addition, the highest crop productivity was achieved with sprinkler irrigation at 100%, then 90%, and then 80% of the full irrigation. There were no significant differences between them. As a result of the above, it is recommended using sprinkler irrigation with 80% of the full irrigation and save 20% of the irrigation water requirements for canola. It was also clear that the lowest productivity was achieved with drip irrigation at 50% of the full irrigation. The best value of water productivity was obtained when irrigating with a sprinkler irrigation system using 80% of the full irrigation.