Optimum irrigation regime to maximize the yield, water use efficiency and quality of potato [Solanum tuberosum (L.)cv. Spunta]

摘要

This study investigated the effects of different irrigation regimes on the yield, water use efficiency and quality of potato [Solarium tuberosum (L.) cv. Spunta] grown at the experimental field of Deir Alia Agricultural Research Station, Jordan during2012-13 and 2013-14 growing seasons. Five different drip irrigation regimes were compared : 50% (150), 75% (175), 100% (1100) and 125% (1125) of crop evapotranspiration assessed according to the class A pan equation (which equated to 184, 274, 366 and 458 mm, respectively), and farmer irrigation (506 mm). The results indicated that irrigation to 100% of evapotranspiration (1100) was the optimum regime for maximizing potato production. The specific gravity and water use efficiency, as well as most nutritional contents of potato decreased with increasing amounts of water, and the maximum ash content was achieved with 1100. Thus, use of the 1100 regime would improve water use efficiency in potato crops compared with farmer irrigation levels that are currently used, allowing significant reductions in water use while maintaining production levels.