Microsprinkler, drip and furrow irrigation for potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivation in a semi-arid environment

摘要

A study was conducted during 2003-04 to compare microsprinkler, drip and furrow irrigation systems for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production at Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Abohar, Punjab. Each irrigation method was combined with 4 irrigation levels, ie IW:CPE ratio of 1.20, 1.00, 0.80 and 0.60. Better crop performance was recorded under microsprinkler regime. The highest potato yield (31.60 tonnes/ha) was obtained with microsprinkler, followed by drip (29.83 tonnes/ha) and furrow (22.6 tonnes/ha) irrigation systems when irrigation was scheduled at 1.20 IW:CPE. Irrespective of irrigation system, potato tuber yield increased with increasing irrigation level from 0.60 to 1.20 IW:CPE. However, highest water- use efficiency (1.37 q/ha-mm) was recorded with 0.80 IW:CPE under microsprinkler irrigation. Water application of 257 and 261 mm was found optimal for attaining the maximum yield under microsprinkler and drip irrigation systems respectively. Fertilizer-use efficiency was highest (71 kg/kg) in microsprinkler, followed by drip (67 kg/kg) and furrow irrigation (48 kg/kg). Economic analysis revealed that using microirrigation for potato production in semi-arid environment is a profitable alternative of existing irrigation method.