摘要：An in situ field test on two types of Evapotranspiration-based irrigation controllers (ET controllers) was carried out in a sandy loam soil located at King Saud University, Riyadh- Saudi Arabia to evaluate the suitability of these technologies for agricultural applications under surface drip irrigation system compared to various time-based irrigation schedules (control treatment). The tested ET controllers were Weathermatic SL1600 and Hunter pro C controllers. Each treatment was replicated three times for a total of nine blocks. The main advantage of controlling the irrigation process by these techniques is that irrigation-scheduling program is operated automatically, based on local climate conditions derived from smart irrigation controller components (ET sensors, ET module and Irrigation controller). The results indicated that the highest water savings, averaging 28%, was obtained from Hunter pro C. Weathermatic SL1600 reflected a similar trend to water savings with similar statistical results (27%) as compared to the control. Water use efficiency and agronomical characteristics (vegetative growth, fruit quality and fruit yield traits) for ET controllers were significantly greater than the control
关键词：Surface Drip Irrigation; Water Use Efficiency; Smart Controllers
