Optimization of Irrigation Schedule for Cotton under Mulched Drip Irrigation in Southern Xinjiang Based on Coordination of Irrigation Quota and Soil Moisture Thresholds
Objective This study aims to optimize cotton irrigation schedules in southern Xinjiang, quantify the appropriate soil moisture thresholds for different growth stages of cotton, and provide core parameter support for the transformation from traditional agriculture to digital agriculture. Methods The parameters of the AquaCrop model were calibrated and verified using measured data of cotton growth and soil moisture dynamics under different irrigation treatments. Based on this, an optimization study of the cotton irrigation schedule in southern Xinjiang was conducted under the coordination of irrigation quota and appropriate soil moisture thresholds. Results 1) The coefficient of determination (R2) between the simulated and measured values of cotton growth status and soil moisture dynamics during the growth stages exceeded 0.7, and the model simulation accuracy reached over 82%. Therefore, the calibrated model could well simulate the response relationship between cotton growth and soil moisture. 2) Based on the principle that after irrigation at each growth stage, the infiltrated soil moisture was mainly distributed within the 0-0.6 m soil layer with minimal percolation loss, the appropriate irrigation quota for cotton under mulched drip irrigation in southern Xinjiang was determined to be 36 mm. 3) An optimized irrigation schedule coordinated with the regional water scarcity conditions was proposed. Under conditions of water scarcity, the lower limits of soil moisture for cotton at the bud, boll, and boll-opening stages should be 60% field capacity (FC), 65% FC, and 55% FC, respectively. When the water scarcity condition was moderately alleviated, the lower limits should be 70% FC, 75% FC, and 55% FC, respectively. Conclusion The optimized irrigation schedule can provide theoretical guidance and fundamental data support for precision irrigation of cotton in arid regions and the efficient utilization of regional water resources.
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