A Review on the Installation and Applications of Various Types of Lysimeter in Agricultural Water Management

Crop water use is closely linked to soil water and rooting patterns. To investigate these relationships, a unique lysimeter was designed and constructed, allowing for simultaneous measurement of root density, soil water content, and whole-profile evapotranspiration. The lysimeter facilitates the evaluation of interrelationships within an undisturbed soil profile, including rooting depth and density, soil water content, plant water uptake, and evaporative demand. Lysimeter installation involves selecting a well-drained site with similar soil and conditions to the surrounding environment. A pit is excavated to place the lysimeter container, which may be made of steel, PVC, or concrete. Weighing lysimeters are installed on load cells or platforms for real-time water mass measurement, while non-weighing lysimeters have simpler setups. A drainage system with gravel and pipes collects percolating water. Additional sensors (e.g., soil moisture and temperature) are installed for monitoring. After backfilling the pit, the system is calibrated by adding water or test weights to ensure accurate readings. Once installed, the lysimeter measures evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and water movement for hydrological research and irrigation planning. A lysimeter functions by measuring actual evapotranspiration from plants, accounting for precipitation input and water loss through the soil. While lysimeter can be expensive for tree studies and may not always accurately reflect conditions outside a laboratory setting, they are highly effective for simulating field conditions in farm crops. This makes them valuable for calculating water balances and optimizing irrigation practices in agricultural settings.