Influence of Bed Size and Irrigation Methods on Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Abstract

Background: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) popularly known as ‘The King of Vegetables’, has emerged as fourth most important food crop in the world after rice, wheat and maize. Indian vegetables basket is incomplete without potato as its, dry matter, edible energy and edible protein makes it nutritionally superior as well as staple food throughout the world. Methods: The experiment during 2016-2018 was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications to study the effect of bed size on the yield and size of the tuber under different irrigation methods. Results: Maximum yield was obtained in 60cm bed (narrow bed size) whereas in irrigation system drip produced maximum yield. All quality parameters did not influence due to sowing method and irrigation system but chip recovery was more in drip irrigation than furrow system. Maximum yield through interaction was found in drip irrigated 105 cm triple row bed. Around 45-50 per cent water was saved through drip irrigation as compared to furrow irrigation. However, maximum benefit cost ratio was obtained in furrow irrigated 60cm bed size.