Effects of Irrigation Methods on Growth and Water Productivity in Bell Pepper Cultivation in Northern South Korea

Abstract

Although the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is sensitive to water stress, little information is available on proper irrigation management methods for bell pepper cultivation in the northern South Korean climate. We compared the effects of different irrigation methods on crop growth and water productivity in two bell pepper varieties (Maldonado and Nagano) at different irrigation durations (ending 3 h before sunset and ending 4 h before sunset) and irrigation quantities (placing two, three, and four drippers capable of irrigating at 2 L·h−1) over approximately 280 days by performing in-depth analysis of various growth indicators. The plant height of Maldonado increased as the irrigation amount increased in all irrigation treatments of T1 and T2. In Nagano, there was no significant difference in plant height between D3 and D4. Overall, the irrigation treatments produced a higher difference in yield in Maldonado plants than in Nagano plants. WP tended to increase inversely to reduction in irrigation quantity in Groups 1 (May–June) and 4 (November–December) of both varieties, and response to irrigation stop time varied among the varieties. We inferred that the optimal irrigation method for bell pepper cultivation in northern South Korea is to supply irrigation at the D3 level and adjust the irrigation end time according to the variety and crop strength.