Estimation of soil evaporation and infiltration losses using
stables isotopes, Fluxmeter and Eddy-Covariance system for
citrus orchards in a semi-arid region (Morocco)
In arid and semi-arid
regions water scarcity is one of the main limiting factors for
economic growth. In the context, an experimental setup was
conceived to monitor seasonal water consumption of citrus plant
irrigated by drip irrigation system in Agafay station, middle of
Morocco. For that, an Eddy-Covariance system, meteorological
station, fluxmeter, as well as measurements of soil moisture and
temperature were continuously operated during experimentation.
The stable isotope was used to partition Evapo-transpiration (ET)
components. By using the water balance equation, the results
showed that about 37% of total irrigation and rainfall is lost
by infiltration and runoff. Additionally, the partitioning of evapotranspiration using the stable isotope showed that soil
evaporation is very small compared to the transpiration at least
during tow sampling days. This result confirms that the
irrigation method applied by the farmer was very appropriate for
the orchard but it is necessary to re-examine amount of water
applied and timing of irrigation in order to minimise the loss
by infiltration
Cite this article as:
Amenzou N, Marah H, Raibi F,
Ezzahar J, Khabba S, Lionel J and Ismaili M (2013). Estimation of soil
evaporation and infiltration losses using stables isotopes, Fluxmeter and
Eddy-Covariance system for citrus orchards in a semi-arid region (Morocco).
Acad. J. Eviron. Sci. 1(1): 001-008.
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