Study of the Chemical Characteristics and Dry Weight of Cucumber Plants under the Influence of Shading Levels and Different Irrigation Methods

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Background: The cucumber is considered one of the most consumed plants because it’s involved in many diet systems and different types of food, it’s rich in many vitamins, like vitamin K; and it has a high-water content. This study investigates cucumber plants’ chemical composition and weight, which are essential factors in plant physiology, under different amounts of shading and irrigation systems. Methods: The experiment involved two water methods, specifically surface and drip irrigation techniquesand three levels of shading, specifically 60%, 45% and 30%. There were three replicates, with each replicate consisting of 6 treatments. The experimental unit had 10 plants. Result: The findings demonstrated that the amount of shading significantly impacted the chemical properties and weight of cucumber plants. Specifically, the 30% and 45% shade treatments resulted in a more significant nitrogen percentage in the leaves, corresponding increases of 0.79% and 0.73%, respectively. The leaves exposed to the 30% shade treatment exhibited the most significant phosphorus percentage, measuring 0.37%. The leaves exhibited a potassium concentration of 2.60%, Additionally, the chlorophyll content was measured at 3.88 mg/100 g-1 fresh weight and 48.06 g dry weight. The shading treatment of 30% demonstrated superior performance in measuring the maximum proline concentration, reaching a value of 1.24 mg plant-1. The drip watering method resulted in a nitrogen concentration in the leaves that exceeded 0.77%. The leaf composition contains a potassium concentration of 2.66%.The irrigation approach yielded the driest weight, amounting to 43.39 grams. The drip irrigation method demonstrated its superiority by measuring the highest proline concentration in the leaves, reaching 1.25 mg plant-1. The interaction between the extent of shading and various irrigation techniques significantly affected the chemical properties and weight of the dried substance.