The influence of water-holding layer on the water supply of potatoes in loam-sandy soils of Oman

The paper is devoted to the analysis and evaluation of peculiar features of the water regime in loam-sandy soils of Oman. The total water volume taken up by potatoes has been determined in different modes of pre-irrigation soil moisture (70, 80% of MWC and 70-80-70% of MWC) and in dependence on the water-holding layer consisting of natural materials. It is shown that the most favorable conditions for water supply of potatoes, taking into account the economical use of irrigation water, can be created by differentiation of pre-irrigation soil moisture in inter-phase periods at a level of 70-80-70% of minimum water capacity (MWC). At the same time, sapropel should be used as a water-holding layer, which increases the potatoes yield at least by 10%.