Work

Comparison of Subsurface Trickle and Furrow Irrigation on Plastic-mulched and Bare Soil for Tomato Production

Year: 1989

Type: article

Abstract: Subsurface trickle and furrow irrigation of fresh-market tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), with or without plastic mulch, were compared for three consecutive growing seasons. Plots were irrigated when available soil water was 40% depleted. Marketable tomato yield was 22% greater for plants grown with trickle irrigation than with furrow irrigation. Use of black plastic mulch resulted in 31% and 16% greater marketable tomato yield in Spring 1983 and 1984, than similar bare-soil (unmulched) treatments, respectively. In Fall 1983, use of white/black (top/bottom) laminated plastic mulch reduced yields by 12% compared to similar unmulched treatments. Total water (irrigation plus precipitation) applied to furrow-irrigated plots nearly equalled pan evaporation (E pan ). Trickle-irrigated plots received < 45% of E pan in all seasons, resulting in increased water-use efficiency with drip irrigation. Trickle irrigation as applied did not affect soluble salts concentration in the soils.

Source: Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science

DOI: 10.21273/jashs.114.1.40

Authors: Clyde R. Bogle, Timothy K. Hartz, Carlos Nunez

Institution: Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Irrigation Practices and Water Management

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500