Microsprinkler, drip and furrow irrigation for potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivation in a semi-arid environment

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2003–04 to compare microsprinkler, drip and furrow irrigation systems for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production at Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Abohar, Punjab. Each irrigation method was combined with 4 irrigation levels, ie IW:CPE ratio of 1.20, 1.00, 0.80 and 0.60. Better crop performance was recorded under microsprinkler regime. The highest potato yield (31.60 tonnes/ha) was obtained with microsprinkler, followed by drip (29.83 tonnes/ha) and furrow (22.6 tonnes/ha) irrigation systems when irrigation was scheduled at 1.20 IW:CPE. Irrespective of irrigation system, potato tuber yield increased with increasing irrigation level from 0.60 to 1.20 IW:CPE. However, highest water- use efficiency (1.37 q/ha-mm) was recorded with 0.80 IW:CPE under microsprinkler irrigation. Water application of 257 and 261 mm was found optimal for attaining the maximum yield under microsprinkler and drip irrigation systems respectively. Fertilizer-use efficiency was highest (71 kg/kg) in microsprinkler, followed by drip (67 kg/kg) and furrow irrigation (48 kg/kg). Economic analysis revealed that using microirrigation for potato production in semi-arid environment is a profitable alternative of existing irrigation method.