| The field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different irrigation frequency (once every 4, 7 and 10 days) on soil water distribution and water use efficiency (WUE) of wheat under drip irrigation in North Xinjiang. The results showed that, when the irrigation amount was 375 mm, high irrigation frequency (once every 4 days) induced a relatively high water content and water storage in surface soil (0～40 cm) during the whole growth season of wheat, but caused an inadequate moisture in deep soil (40～100 cm), Low irrigation frequency (once every 10 days) was beneficial to the infiltration and lateral seepage of water, and induced a relatively high water content and water storage in deep soil, however, the water content and water storage in surface soil was low due to delay of water replenishment. Overall, mid irrigation frequency (once every 7 days) was beneficial to the uniform distribution of irrigation water in soil profile and was good for crop growing. Under mid irrigation frequency, the yield of wheat was increased by 7.6% and 13.5% respectively, and the WUE was increased by 2.6% and 9.9% respectively, compared to those under high and low irrigation frequenc
y. It was suggested that irrigation with an amount of 375 mm and a frequency of once every 7 days be an appropriate drip irrigation mode for wheat under local climate condition. |