Salinity management in arid regions: effects of tape irrigation and mulching on soil salt dynamics and crop performance

Water scarcity and soil salinity pose serious challenges to sustainable agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where water resources are limited. Efficient irrigation strategies are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of saline water on crop growth and productivity. This study evaluates the effects of saline water irrigation on soil salt distribution, maize yield, and water consumption under various irrigation methods, including surface and subsurface tape irrigation systems. A randomized complete block design with five treatments and three replications was employed: surface emitter tape, subsurface emitter tape at 10 cm depth, surface drip tape, subsurface drip tape at 10 cm depth, and surface drip tape combined with mulch. The results, with 95% confidence, revealed significant salt accumulation at a distance of 15–20 cm from the emitter, predominantly within the upper 0–20 cm soil layer across all treatments. The highest maize yield and water use efficiency (WUE) were observed in the surface drip tape with mulch treatment, underscoring the beneficial role of mulching in alleviating salinity stress. Overall, the findings indicate that, regardless of tape placement, salt tends to accumulate mainly in the shallow root zone, highlighting the critical need for proper leaching and irrigation management practices to sustain crop productivity in saline environments. This research offers valuable insights for optimizing WUE and promoting sustainable agriculture in regions affected by salinity.