Effect of fertilizers type and watering methods on the agronomic performance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) grown on substrate in southern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a plant of great importance for food, agriculture, economy and medicine. This importance explains its high demand, intensified by its cultivation conditions, particularly the growing rarity of fertile land and available water. To contribute to this species yield optimization, the effects of fertilizers type [chemical: NPK (12-22-22) and organic: Agribionate] and a control (C) combined to two watering modes (traditional sprinkler and bottle drip) on plants growth and yield have been studied from sowing to harvest. Plant growth (stem length and diameter at the collar, number of leaves and flowers per plant, leaf area) and yield (fruit weight, diameter and length, yield) were assessed. ANOVA2 tests revealed that fertilization (NPK and agribionate) favored plant growth (respectively 34.20 and 37.32 cm in height against 6.67 cm) and increased yield (7498, 66 and 6600.46 Kg/ha against 1558 Kg/ha) with the largest and heaviest fruits (145.69 and 142.80 g) compared to the control (C) that produced the smallest ones (59.35 g). About watering, the bottle drip mode was more beneficial than traditional sprinkler one for cucumber organ growth and plant yield. The interaction (fertilizer type × watering mode) indicated that the best results were obtained with the Agribionate fertilizer watered with the bottle drip method.