| In order to select the most effective irrigation method which was suitable for the sandy area of northern Yulin, the effects of drip irrigation on the growth and yield of potato were studied under mulch (MG), drip irrigation without mulch (DG), furrow irrigation (GA), alternate furrow irrigation (JG) and flood irrigation (CK). The results showed that with the treatment of MG, the growth and development of potato were better than those with other irrigation methods. During the whole growth period, the plant height, stem diameter and leaf SPAD value by the treatment of MG were higher than those by other treatments, and were significantly higher than those in the CK (P＜0.05). Except for the seedling stage, effects on the growth indexes by all the treatments were significant in the order of MG>DG>JG>GA>CK. Under the treatment of MG, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency of potato leaf were higher than those under the other treatments, and were significantly higher than those in the CK (P＜0.05). In addition, the effects on yield increase and income increase with the treatment of MG were prominent. The commodity potato rates and plot yields resulted from different treatments were in the order of MG>DG>JG>GA>CK. Among them, the yield by the treatment of MG was 6.2%, 18.3%, 29.7% and 43.1% higher than DG, JG, GA and CK, respectively, and its income was 7.3%, 22.5%, 41.1% and 65.6% higher than DG, JG, GA and CK, respectively. Furthermore, the amount of water used in the treatment of MG was 21.4%, 30.2% and 54.2% less than JG, GA and CK, respectively, which had a remarkable effect on water saving. Overall, comparing with other irrigation methods, the drip irrigation under mulch is one of the most effective irrigation methods in the sandy area of northern Yulin. |