SUCCESSIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE DEFICIT WATER RESOURCES IN HYDOPONICS AND SOILLESS GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION

Abstract

Maximization of water use efficiency (WUE) in green fodder production in the arid regions is considered critical issue for overcoming the limitation of water resources. Therefore, three experiments were executed using electric controller system to manage the deficit water resources inside hydroponics and soilless green fodder production system. Single, double, and triple programs for water management were applied in the first, second, and third experiments respectively. Irrigation intervals “4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and14h” and irrigation durations “30, 45, and 60sec.” were used as main variables in these experiments. The consumed water, fresh weight of the produced green fodder, dry matter weight, dry matter percentage, water use efficiency and germination percentage were taken as main indicators. The statistical analysis of the results revealed that water use efficiency values for the best treatment in the first, second, and third exponent are 49.11, 79.92 and, 109.01 ”gram of dry matter /liter of water” respectively. Therefore, applying triple successive programs “60 sec. per 6h in the initial period, “45 sec. per 10h in the intermediate period” and “30 sec. per 12h in the final period” is considered the best management of the deficit water resources inside hydroponics and soilless green fodder production systems.