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Subsurface drip irrigation reduces CH4 emissions and ecosystem respiration compared to surface drip irrigation

Author

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  • Guardia, Guillermo
  • Monistrol-Arcas, Alba
  • Montoya, Mónica
  • García-Gutiérrez, Sandra
  • Abalos, Diego
  • Vallejo, Antonio

Abstract

Sustainable irrigation expansion is pivotal to guarantee global food security. Fertigation techniques with surface or subsurface drip lines are among the most promising irrigation practices. Yet, the effect of surface versus subsurface drip fertigation on ecosystem respiration (CO2) fluxes remains largely unknown while there is not available information regarding CH4 emissions, even though this knowledge is essential to obtain a comprehensive overview of the carbon (C) footprint of these practices. To address this knowledge gap, a field experiment was set up in a maize (Zea mays L.) crop comparing surface and subsurface drip (buried at 30 cm depth) in combination with four fertilization treatments (unfertilized control, calcium nitrate and ammonium sulphate with or without the nitrification inhibitor DMPP). Our results showed that all fertilized treatments (except the unfertilized control) were net CH4 sources (135–208 g C ha−1). Subsurface irrigation reduced cumulative CH4 emissions compared to surface irrigation by 80% (P < 0.05). Moreover, subsurface irrigation also abated ecosystem respiration fluxes (by 41%, P < 0.05) relative to surface irrigation. Emission peaks of both C fluxes were observed after fertigation events. Our results demonstrate that subsurface irrigation is a water-saving strategy that can contribute to decreasing the net greenhouse gas emissions of irrigated croplands through the abatement of CH4 and respiration fluxes.

Suggested Citation

  • Guardia, Guillermo & Monistrol-Arcas, Alba & Montoya, Mónica & García-Gutiérrez, Sandra & Abalos, Diego & Vallejo, Antonio, 2023. "Subsurface drip irrigation reduces CH4 emissions and ecosystem respiration compared to surface drip irrigation," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:285:y:2023:i:c:s0378377423002457
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108380
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    1. Hanqin Tian & Rongting Xu & Josep G. Canadell & Rona L. Thompson & Wilfried Winiwarter & Parvadha Suntharalingam & Eric A. Davidson & Philippe Ciais & Robert B. Jackson & Greet Janssens-Maenhout & Mic, 2020. "A comprehensive quantification of global nitrous oxide sources and sinks," Nature, Nature, vol. 586(7828), pages 248-256, October.
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    1. Liu, Fan & Zhang, Yucui & Shen, Yanjun, 2025. "Contrasting effects of irrigation practice on soil respiration and carbon turnover in wheat and maize season," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 317(C).
    2. Liu, Jiabin & Gao, Xiaodong & Song, Juanjuan & Wen, Mingyi & Wang, Jianjun & Cai, Yaohui & Zhao, Xining, 2025. "Subsurface drip irrigation mitigated greenhouse gas emission and improved root growth and yield in apple in semi-arid region," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 308(C).
    3. Huo, Pan & Gao, Pengcheng, 2024. "Degassing of greenhouse gases from groundwater under different irrigation methods: A neglected carbon source in agriculture," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    4. Mehmood, Faisal & Wang, Guangshuai & Abubakar, Sunusi Amin & Zain, Muhammad & Rahman, Shafeeq Ur & Gao, Yang & Duan, Aiwang, 2023. "Optimizing irrigation management sustained grain yield, crop water productivity, and mitigated greenhouse gas emissions from the winter wheat field in North China Plain," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).

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