The effects of irrigation methods on potato yield and water use efficiency: An empirical study in Guangdong province

This study systematically evaluated the effects of different irrigation methods on winter potato production in Guangdong province, providing scientific guidance for optimizing irrigation strategies. Four treatments were tested: subsurface drip irrigation, surface drip irrigation, surface micro-sprinkler irrigation, and a control (no irrigation). Their impacts on soil water-thermal conditions, nutrient availability, water use efficiency, and plant growth characteristics, as well as tuber yield and quality, were compared. The results showed that irrigation treatments significantly improved soil moisture and temperature conditions and enhanced nutrient availability. Among them, subsurface drip irrigation achieved the highest water use efficiency (7.2 kg/m³) and tuber yield (40.5 t/ha), outperforming the other methods. Surface drip irrigation and surface micro-sprinkler irrigation also significantly promoted potato growth and yield, though their yield increases were lower than subsurface drip irrigation. Additionally, all irrigation methods improved tuber quality, with varying effects. Overall, subsurface drip irrigation demonstrated outstanding water-saving and yield-enhancing benefits, making it suitable for promotion in winter potato cultivation in Guangdong province. This study not only provides technical guidance for regional potato production but also offers valuable references for efficient water resource management and the promotion of water-saving irrigation technologies in other regions.