An Improved Empirical Model for Estimating the Geometry of the Soil Wetting Front with Surface Drip Irrigation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors propose a novel model that predict the geometry of 2 the soil wetting front with surface drip irrigation. The topic is interesting and the study is original and novel. The methods are suitable for the study aims. Overall the paper has a good quality. However, I would improve the Results and Discussions sections by moving the comments of the tables and figures with data from the Discussion to the Results. In other words, in the Discussions section there would not be data if not general considerations and interpretations of the results, which could help to generalize the study outcomes. Some other minor suggestions are reported in the commented MS in attachment.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript presents the results of research of a great importance due to their applicability. The research concerns the optimization of the operation of the surface drip irrigation system in order to save water consumption and maximize the effects.

The final product of the research is a mathematical model, which allows to determine the range and depth of irrigation, derived on the basis of simulations in  laboratorial conditions.

The laboratory tests, and thus the final model, take into account a number of interactions between soil properties, the initial soil moisture before irrigation, the expenditure of emitters and the duration of irrigation.

The work meets all the requirements of a scientific work. It has a very good background of references, interesting results and correct conclusions.

Therefore, in my opinion it fully deserves to be published.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx