Effect of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation on Soil Water Dynamics and Productivity of Greenhouse Tomatoes

Abstract

The proficient supply of water and nutrients is a key factor for successful vegetable production under greenhouses. This field experiment was conducted during 2018–2019 under a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of drip irrigation and nutrient schedule on soil water dynamics and the productivity of greenhouse tomato. The experiment consisted of two irrigation schedules, i.e., I1 (irrigation applied from week 1 to 2 on the basis of 100% pan evaporation (Epan), week 3 to 8 on the basis of 40% of Epan, week 9 to 14 on the basis of 60% of Epan, week 15 to 20 on the basis of 80% of Epan, week 21 to 24 on the basis of 100% of Epan) and I2 (irrigation applied on the basis of 100% of Epan throughout the crop period) with a five-nutrient schedule, viz., F1 (100% NPK applied through the conventional method), F2 (100% N applied through fertigation + PK through the conventional method), F3 (100% NK applied through fertigation + P through the conventional method), F4 (100% NPK applied through fertigation) and F5 (50% NPK applied through the conventional method + 150% NPK applied through fertigation). The soil moisture content (SMC) and its depletion were measured during growing season. The tomato yield was significantly higher under I2. However, water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly higher under I1 treatment. Among the nutrient schedules, the yield and WUE were significantly higher in F5 treatment. The net returns were highest under F5 and lowest under F1. The Benefit:Cost ratio was highest in F4 and lowest under F1. The irrigation level I2 (irrigation applied on the basis of 100% of Epan throughout the crop period) with fertigation treatment F4 (100% NPK applied through fertigation) was the best strategy for obtaining the maximum productivity of tomato under the greenhouse. It can be concluded that the drip-based fertigation enhances the crop yield and net returns and therefore may be promoted to increase the income of the farmers.

Enhancing Rabi Brinjal Productivity and Profitability Through Drip Irrigation and Fertigation

“…Surface drip irrigation at 1.2 Epan and fertigation with 80% RDNK recorded significantly higher B:C ratio (2.37) over 0.8 Epan and fertigation with 60% RDNK (1.96) which recorded the least value. These results are in conformity withSingh et al (2023) who reported higher benefit cost ratio of 3.75 in the treatment which received 100% RDF through fertigation in tomato grown under greenhouse conditions.…”

“…These results are in accordance with Kumar et al (2010), who reported lowest yield of brinjal at 50% PE though the applied fertilizer was high. The drip irrigation at optimum level helps to maintain favorable moisture regimes, which increases the availability of water in the soil and the crop utilizes the water very effectively for the growth and development (Singh et al, 2023).…”

“…Fertigation helps with better root development of the crop, which leads to the absorption of more water and nutrients from the soil as compared to other methods (Singh et al, 2023).…”

“…As the fertigation level increased, so did the production of fruits plant -1 where drip fertigation at 150% RDF produced significantly more fruit plant -1 and fruit weight than other treatments according to Kumar et al (2010). The fertigation schedule may be optimized according to the crop growth stages in future studies as it may lead to lower application of fertilizers resulting in more profit for the farmers (Singh et al, 2023).…”

Evaluation of the Effects of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation scheduling on Tomato Yield under Polyhouse

“…Vegetable cultivation in Himachal Pradesh has gained significant importance owing to favourable agro-climatic conditions for growing off-season vegetables with better quality [3]. Low cost naturally-ventilated polyhouses provide a great scope in cultivation of the off-season crop such as tomato for year round supply [4]. At present, about 137 ha area in Himachal Pradesh has been brought under protected cultivation.…”