Numerical Analysis of Soil Water Dynamics during Spinach Cultivation in a Soil Column with an Artificial Capillary Barrier under Different Irrigation Managements

Artificial capillary barriers (CBs) are used to improve root zone conditions as they can keep water and nutrients in the by limiting downward percolation. Numerical analysis is one of promising tools for evaluating CB systems’ performance during cultivation leafy vegetables. This study aims investigate effects system on soil dynamics spinach a column under different irrigation scenarios using HYDRUS (2D/3D) comparing uniform (UNI), line-source (LSI), plant-targeted (PTI) irrigations combined with alternative schedules. Simulation results volumetric contents were generally corresponding measured data. various hypothetical exhibited that was an effective diminish percolation losses zone’s storage capacity. On other hand, evaporation loss be increased more maintained near surface. While this significantly minimized reducing application area, amount must carefully defined because applying smaller area may accelerate movement so content at interface reach close saturation. In addition malfunction layer, it also cause reduction plant uptake (RWU) too wet. Among evaluated scenarios, irrigating every two days PTI best scenario use efficiency greatly improved.