The sub surface method, porous pipe, irrigation was used for brinjal in view of studying the wetting pattern at different depths, i.e. at a distance of 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm, laterally and vertically from the centre of porous pipe. The observations were recorded on 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th day from transplanting. On the 30th day soil moisture was in the range of 25 to 39 % at a horizontal distance of 45 cm from porous pipe. However, it was in the range of 27.5 to 39% in the vicinity of 60 cm distance (downward) form the porous pipe. This similar type of trend, i.e. more spread of soil moisture vertically downward than horizontal, was recorded on 60th, 90th and 120th day. The soil moisture spread, laterally and vertically, was found increased from 30th to 90th day from transplanting might be due to fully developed roots of brinjal and subsequently the higher water uptake. The reduced moisture spread was recorded on 120th day. The developing roots towards the later growth stages of the crop might have restricted the soil moisture spread laterally and vertically.

Keywords: Sub surface irrigation; Soil moisture; Wetting zone.