This study was carried out at the experimental field station of the Atomic Energy Authority in Inshas, Egypt, to assess soil moisture status under surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems, as a function of the variation in the distance between drippers along and between laterals at different measuring times. Moisture measurements were taken using neutron moisture meter technique, and water distribution uniformity was assessed by applying Surfer Model. The presented data indicate that under surface drip, soil moisture distribution and its uniformity within the soil profile are to a great extent affected by the distance between drippers rather than that between laterals. Generally, better distribution was found when using 30 cm dripper spacing than 50 cm spacing.
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Under subsurface drip irrigation, the installation of the irrigation system was the factor that dominantly affected the moisture trend under the studied variables. Installation of the system at 30 cm from the soil surface is the one to be recommended as it represents the active root zone for most vegetable crops, and also leads to better water saving in sandy soils in comparison with 15 cm depth.
