Comparative Analysis of Soil Infiltration Rate and Water Use Efficiency in Alfalfa under Subsurface Irrigation

Abstract

Efficient water management in forage crops such as alfalfa is essential for maximizing productivity while conserving limited water resources, particularly under subsurface irrigation systems. This study presents a comparative analysis of soil infiltration rate and water use efficiency in alfalfa cultivated under subsurface irrigation to evaluate its effectiveness in improving water utilization. The proposed methodology involves controlled field experiments conducted under varying irrigation regimes and soil conditions. Key parameters, including soil infiltration rate, soil moisture distribution, evapotranspiration, and crop yield, are measured using infiltration tests, soil moisture sensors, and standard agronomic techniques. 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 infiltration characteristics and water use efficiency. Experimental results indicate that subsurface irrigation enhances infiltration uniformity and reduces surface evaporation losses, leading to improved soil moisture availability within the root zone. Additionally, higher water use efficiency is observed compared to conventional surface irrigation methods, with optimal infiltration rates contributing to better root development and biomass production. The study also highlights the influence of soil texture and irrigation depth on water distribution and uptake efficiency. The findings demonstrate that subsurface irrigation significantly improves both infiltration dynamics and water productivity in alfalfa cultivation. The study concludes that integrating efficient irrigation techniques with data-driven analysis provides a reliable and sustainable approach for optimizing water use efficiency and enhancing forage crop performance.