Performance and water usage of selected vegetables grown with different irrigation systems under house-type structures

Abstract

Irrigation for vegetables grown under protected cropping is very important for optimum production. Likewise, choosing an efficient method of irrigation can save water and labour. These studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of manual sprinkler, drip bottle, and drip hose method of water delivery systems on performance of selected vegetables, water use efficiency and profitability grown in house-type protective structures. The three crops tested were tomato, sweet pepper and ampalaya which were planted in similar structures arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The drip bottle method increased yield, irrigation water use efficiency, and profitability compared to sprinkler and drip hose method. Drip hose method effectively suppressed fusarium wilt. This implies that increasing productivity of some vegetables requires water delivery systems that provide a constant and even supply using a small amount of water. Further work is required in scheduling and rate of application with the drip hose method for it to become as efficient as the drip bottle.