Effects of aerated subsurface drip irrigation on rhizosphere soil environment and pepper (Capsicum annum L.) growth in three soil types

Aerated subsurface drip irrigation (ASDI) has been considered an effective method to unlock the growth potential of crops. An experiment was undertaken to monitor the effects of three aeration rates (40% aeration rate, 15% aeration rate, CK: no-aeration) on rhizosphere soil environment and growth parameters of pepper in three soil types (YC: yellow clay, SL: silt loam, HL: heavy loam). ASDI significantly increased the soil enzyme and microbial abundance, and enhanced the soil respiration compared to the control. ASDI significantly increased the pepper yield, fruit quality, and biomass of stem and leaf. The 40% aeration rate was more beneficial to these parameters than that of 15% aeration rate in YC and SL, whereas, in HL, the 40% was less effective than 15% aeration rate. Soil type significantly affected pepper rhizosphere soil environment and the yield, quality, and biomass of stem and leaf. The benefits of ASDI in YC were better than those in SL and HL. However, aeration rate and soil type had no significant effects on the fresh/dry weight of pepper root. The recommended ASDI patterns for pepper in YC and SL were 40% aeration rates, while in HL it was the 15% aeration rate.