Developing a Subsurface Drip Irrigation Scheduling Mode Based on Water Evaporation: Impacts Studies on Cucumbers Planted in a Greenhouse in the North China Plain

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The material presented by me deals with a particularly important and current problem. The study of irrigation in the conditions of water deficit occupies a particularly important place in the technology of growing crops against the background of the global problem with the water reserve.

In the article, the methods and approaches for analyzing the effect of irrigation are very well described. The necessary parameters for the calculation of evapotranspiration are introduced in detail. The wetting of the soil horizon in depth during the individual periods was monitored.

In the results section, detailed data is presented, illustrated with graphs and tables. Coefficients were calculated and yield parameters, Water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) were determined.

A detailed analysis of water efficiency and the relationship with productivity actually gives a precise answer.

Trends are reported and the influence of irrigation on the root mass of plants is tracked.

The results obtained are refined, although I think they could be presented more specifically.

I have no objections to this material. On the contrary, it is a very detailed study that provides answers and can be applied to intelligent irrigation of crops.

The only thing that might be good to look into is the productivity, in terms of quality. In case of water deficit, is it possible to account for a reduction in the quality of cucumbers 1st quality. When realizing the production, it is not so much the quantitative dimension, but the quality of the vegetables that is important.

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript titled "Developing a subsurface drip irrigation scheduling mode based on water evaporation: Impacts studies on cucumbers planted in a greenhouse in the north China plain" is a very solid and interesting work. It is well structured and easy to follow. Nevertheless, some point need to be addressed in order to be ready for publication. In particular.

1. Use passive voice within the whole manuscript.

2. P2L80 - "We hope...". In a scientific text the author does not hope to be useful, but only expresses views to be evaluated by the scientific community. Remove this expression.

3. The introduction should include references stating the international experience  in terms of corresponding practices around the world. At this stage the introduction is unilateral.

4. Perhaps a map of the study area would be usefull.

5. P3L117 - Use the MDPI format for references.

6. Also, the references are numbered twice. Remove the double numbers.

7. Was the choice of a 2-factor, 3-level randomized block design suitable for studying the effects of the depth of drip belt buried and irrigation water amount? How did randomizing the treatments in different blocks enhance the reliability and validity of the study's findings?

8. Why were three different depths of drip belt buried (10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm) chosen for the study? What are the potential implications of these specific depths on water distribution and root development in cucumber plants?

9. How accurate is the equation (Wi = A × Ep × Kpi / 1000) used to calculate irrigation water amount based on pan evaporation? What considerations were made in selecting the pan coefficient (Kpi), and how confident are the authors in its ability to estimate the water needs of cucumber plants?

10. How did the use of individual flow meter readings contribute to determining the end time of irrigation for each plot? Why is accurate timing of irrigation crucial for meeting the water demands of cucumber plants? What are the potential benefits of using flow meters to control and assess irrigation duration?

11. What are the practical implications of the study's findings for subsurface drip irrigation in greenhouse cucumber cultivation in the north China plain? How can the understanding of different drip belt depths and irrigation water amounts guide farmers in making informed decisions about irrigation management? How can optimizing water distribution and timing contribute to sustainable agriculture practices in water-limited regions?

12. Providce Figure 1 in a colored image.

13. Reference 35 in not cited within the text.

The English language needs a minor editing.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear authors,

there are, still, some more issues that should be addressed. The introduction should be strengthened with more references, as I suggested in the previous review. If more time is needed, you can ask for it. Also the map you have put up is unacceptable as it gives no information on where the study area is, no legend, coordinates etc. It should be redone with greater care.

Also, for each addressed comments (7-11 comments of the previous round), the authors should provide more details within the manuscript.

 

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 3

Reviewer 2 Report

I would like to thank the authors for addressing my comments.