Water Management of Organic-Based Pineapple in Upland Sloping Production Areas

Abstract

Irrigation of crops in the upland is one major problem in crop production because of water availability during the dry season which includes the right irrigation water method, one of major factors in crop production. The main objectives of the study were to assess the growth and yield of organically grown pineapple at different water management; and to evaluate the cost and economic returns of organically grown pineapple at different water management. Study conducted at BPSU Bangkal, Abucay, Bataan (N 14°46’ East 120°30’). The total rainfall depth at BPSU-AWS Station for July 2020 to June 2022 was 5,002.4 mm during the study period. The micro-sprinkler irrigation system (90 lph, 5.5 m – 12.5 m WD) was used to supplement the irrigation water. Four treatments were subjected for verification (T1 – no supplemented water, T2 – Irrigate up to 30% soil MC, T3 - Irrigate up to 50% soil MC, and T4 – Irrigate up to 70% soil MC) with the aid of an Atmometer and Soil Moisture Meter. Pineapple (T4) has 72.7 cm high, 109.5 cm crown diameter with 25.7 leaves, and T4 has the most number of large size (126/179). Pineapple production has a good return in terms of income, and ROI, and has a short payback period compared with other commodities. With the application of supplemented irrigation water to upland and rolling production areas, the farmer’s income could increase with the right irrigation method for specific and selected crops to be raised.