Effects of different irrigation methods on yield and water use efficiency of sugar beet [Beta vulgaris] in the arid area of China

Effects of three different irrigation methods (drip, porous-tube and furrow irrigations) on yield and water use efficiency in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) were examined under arid conditions in northern Xinjiang, China. The drip and porous-tube irrigations had more frequency and fewer amount as compared with the furrow irrigation. The total amounts of water applied by the drip and porous-tube irrigation were both 63% of that by the furrow irrigation. There was no large difference in leaf area index (LAI) among the three irrigation methods with 7.3-7.6 in the maximum LAIs, though the furrow irrigation plot showed smaller LAIs during the growing season. Every irrigation plot showed high yields, around 70 t/ha, with no significance among the irrigation methods. The furrow irrigation had 4.5 g/kg in total dry weight per total irrigated water (WUE) during the growing season. The drip and porous-tube irrigations had 7.2 g/kg and 7.5 g/kg in WUE, which were 160% and 168% of the furrow irrigation, respectively. Total dry weights per available water (irrigation and precipitation) were 4.3 g/kg and 4.6 g/kg for the drip and porous-tube irrigations, being 136% and 144% of the furrow irrigation, respectively.