Assessment of Water Use Efficiency in Mango under Sub-surface Porous Clay Pipe Irrigation

Abstract

The efficient utilization of water resources in perennial fruit crops such as mango is critical for sustainable orchard management, particularly in water-scarce regions. This study assesses water use efficiency in mango cultivated under sub-surface porous clay pipe irrigation to evaluate its effectiveness in improving water conservation and crop performance. The proposed methodology involves field experiments comparing porous clay pipe irrigation with conventional irrigation methods under similar agro-climatic conditions. Key parameters, including soil moisture distribution, water application rates, evapotranspiration, tree growth characteristics, yield, and water use efficiency indices, are measured using soil sensors and standard horticultural practices. The collected data are preprocessed through cleaning, normalization, and statistical validation to ensure accuracy and consistency. Advanced analytical and machine learning models, such as regression analysis, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks, are employed to examine the relationship between irrigation method and water use efficiency. Experimental results indicate that sub-surface porous clay pipe irrigation significantly reduces water losses due to evaporation and runoff by delivering water directly to the root zone. Improved soil moisture retention and uniform water distribution enhance root development, leading to better tree growth and yield stability. Additionally, higher water use efficiency is achieved compared to conventional surface irrigation methods, with reduced water consumption. The findings highlight the effectiveness of integrating traditional irrigation techniques with modern analytical approaches for precision horticulture. The study concludes that porous clay pipe irrigation provides a sustainable, efficient, and scalable solution for optimizing water use, enhancing mango productivity, and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.