Abstract: Field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of alternate partial root-zone subsurface drip irrigation (APRSDI) on the physiological responses, yield, and water use efficiency of potato. Compared with conventional drip irrigation (CDI), APRSDI had less negative effects on the potato leaf photosynthesis rate (P_n), but decreased the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance significantly. The slightly higher P_n under CDI was at the expense of consuming more water. No significant difference was observed in the potato yield under APRSDI and CDI, but APRSDI saved the irrigation amount by 25.8% and increased the irrigation water use efficiency and total water use efficiency by 27.5% and 15.3%, respectively, suggesting that APRSDI would be a feasible water-saving irrigation technique for the planting of potato.

Key words: alternate partial root-zone irrigation, subsurface drip irrigation, potato , water use efficiency, DNDC model, greenhouse gas emission, climate change.