Sub-Surface Drainage Spacing on the Temporal Dynamics of Soil Redox Potential and Yield of Colocasia esculenta

Abstract

Waterlogging and poor soil aeration are major constraints affecting crop productivity in poorly drained soils, particularly for root and tuber crops. This study assesses the influence of sub-surface drainage spacing on the temporal dynamics of soil redox potential and yield performance of Colocasia esculenta. A field experiment was conducted using different drainage spacing configurations to evaluate their effects on soil physicochemical conditions, redox fluctuations, and crop productivity. The results revealed that optimized drainage spacing significantly improved soil aeration by regulating water table depth and maintaining favorable redox potential within the root zone. Treatments with closer and well-designed drainage spacing effectively minimized prolonged anaerobic conditions, thereby enhancing root growth and nutrient availability. Improved redox balance facilitated better physiological functioning and resulted in higher tuber yield and biomass accumulation compared to wider spacing or poorly drained conditions. Temporal monitoring indicated that drainage interventions stabilized redox potential during critical growth stages, reducing stress associated with fluctuating soil moisture regimes. While analytical tools were employed to track soil redox dynamics and crop responses, the primary focus remained on soil management and agronomic performance. The findings demonstrate that appropriate sub-surface drainage design is a crucial strategy for improving soil health, optimizing water management, and enhancing productivity in Colocasia esculenta cultivation. This study contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by providing insights into effective drainage management for maintaining soil–plant balance and increasing resource-use efficiency.