Fertigation studies and irrigation scheduling in drip irrigation system in tomato crop ( Lycopersiconesculentum L.)

Abstract

Response to urea fertilizer with drip irrigation was tested and compared with conventional furrow irrigation for 2 years (1995 and 1996) at the Research Farm of Water Management Project, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri (Maharashtra), India. Application of nitrogen through the drip irrigation in ten equal splits at 8-days interval saved 20–40% nitrogen as compared to the furrow irrigation when nitrogen was applied in two equal splits (at planting and 1 month thereafter). Similarly, 3.7–12.5% higher fruit yield with 31–37% saving of water was obtained in the drip system. Water use efficiency in drip irrigation, on an average over nitrogen level was 68 and 77% higher over surface irrigation in 1995 and 1996, respectively. At 120 kgN ha −1, maximum tomato fruit yield of 27.4 and 35.2 t ha −1 in 2 years was recorded. Total nitrogen uptake in drip irrigation was 8–11% higher than that of furrow irrigation. At the highest level of applied nitrogen (120 kgN ha −1), total average N uptake of 2 years was 64.5 (1995) and 104.7 kg ha −1 (1996). The apparent N recovery was 82.5% at 48 kgN ha −1 in comparison with 47.9% at 120 kgN ha −1 during 1996. Stomatal resistance was higher in furrow irrigation than that of drip system at various plant height. Lower leaf had less resistance than upper leaf irrespective of irrigation methods.