Numerical simulation of soil water movement with drip irrigation of multiple point source

In order to provide the theory guidance for drip system design to the high density planting crop, based on the theory of unsaturated soil water dynamics and the character of soil water movement with drip irrigation from multiple point sources, the mathematic model was established and solved numerically by using the Hydrus software. Compared with the actual infiltration process, the simulated infiltration process is in agreement with actual infiltration process. The infiltration processes include three stages which are infiltration from point source, wetting front overlapped and forming wetting belt. The deviation of time of wetting front overlapped and infiltration depth between simulated and actual processes is less than 10%. There is a little difference between simulated and actual soil water content before wetting front overlapped. After wetting front overlapped, simulated soil water content is less than actual soil water content in the upper part of wetting zone. Generally speaking, simulated results can reflect the regulation of soil water movement with drip irrigation from line source, and it can provide the theory guidance for drip system design.