Alternating Furrow Irrigation of Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Abstract

Furrow irrigation of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) has certain benefits over sprinkler irrigation, but usually wastes irrigation water. Alternate-furrow irrigation allows frequent application of small amounts of water, which is an advantage over conventional furrow irrigation. In a variation of alternate-furrow irrigation, alternating-furrow irrigation, every other furrow is irrigated at the first irrigation, and the remainder at the second, then this procedure is repeated throughout the season. It is a low-cost, low-energy alternative to sprinkler and center pivot irrigation systems. Our objective was to compare yield and water use of alternating-furrow irrigation with those of conventional every-furrow irrigation for peppermint. Field experiments in 1992 and 1993 indicated that the soil water content was adequate under both irrigation treatments, and the water savings for alternating-furrow irrigation were attributed to less runoff and less evaporation from the soil surface. There was no difference in yield between the systems, although alternating-furrow irrigation required about half of the water applied with the conventional treatment. One limitation of alternating-furrow irrigation occurred near the end of the growing season, when the plants lodged, partially dammed the furrow streams, and made timely furrow advance difficult. This problem was resolved by irrigating every furrow after lodging occurred.