Abstract
The wise use of irrigation water relies on understanding the exact crop water demand and its application which help to boost agricultural water productivity. Proper irrigation scheduling comprises crop water demand and the rifling frequency of the required water amount. Therefore, this activity was aimed at determining the optimal irrigation regime for pepper. The trial was carried out during 2016 and 2017 to determine the optimal irrigation regime of Pepper (Mareko Fana variety) at Gidara trial site of Melkassa Agricultural Research under five soil moisture depletion levels at which the next irrigation is given: 60% ASMDL, 80% ASMDL, 100% ASMDL, 120% ASMDL and 140% ASMDL). The allowable soil moisture depletion level (100% ASMDL) was scheduled to be refilled when 30% of the total available soil moisture was depleted. The result revealed that there was significant difference in plant height, yield and water productivity among treatments at 5% level of significance. The maximum yield and water productivity were observed in 60% ASMDL treatment. Using depletion levels of 60% and 80% of the recommended soil moisture depletion levels has increased the water productivity significantly. Hence, as much as the total water to be applied throughout the growth period is similar it is better to irrigate pepper frequently with smaller amount. Keywords: Allowable soil moisture depletion level, Irrigation interval, Irrigation regime, Pepper, Water productivity DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-4-01 Publication date: February 28 th 2021
Highlights
Irrigation basically is the controlled application of water to crops in right amount at the right time reducing water loss
Irrigation scheduling is a systematic method by which a producer can decide on when to irrigate and how much water to apply
3.1 Effect of soil moisture depletion on pepper yield, plant height and water productivity To investigate the effect of different soil moisture depletion levels on plant height, the height of five randomly selected plant was measured from ground level to apex stem
Summary
Irrigation basically is the controlled application of water to crops in right amount at the right time reducing water loss. Irrigation scheduling is a systematic method by which a producer can decide on when to irrigate and how much water to apply. The goal of an effective scheduling program is to supply the plants with sufficient water while minimizing loss to deep percolation or runoff. Irrigation scheduling depends on soil, crop, atmospheric, irrigation system and operational factors. Irrigation scheduling determines the agronomic and economic benefits of farms. Irrigation scheduling is important for developing best management practices for irrigated areas (Ali et al, 2011). The irrigation water is applied to the cultivation according to predetermined schedules based upon the monitoring of the soil water status and the crop water requirements
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