Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science · 1989 · 63 citations · 8 references
AgricultureAgronomyCrop SciencesCrop ManagementCrop ProductionIrrigation ManagementDrip IrrigationIrrigated Cropping SystemsIrrigationIrrigation EfficiencyIrrigation SystemsSubsurface IrrigationCrop Response To IrrigationCrop Yield Response To IrrigationDrip Irrigation TechnologyFurrow IrrigationMarketable YieldMulched Irrigation SystemsMulching Effects On Water UseTomato Production
Abstract Subsurface trickle and furrow irrigation of fresh-market tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), with or without plastic mulch, were compared for three consecutive growing seasons. Plots were irrigated when available soil water was 40% depleted. Marketable tomato yield was 22% greater for plants grown with trickle irrigation than with furrow irrigation. Use of black plastic mulch resulted in 31% and 16% greater marketable tomato yield in Spring 1983 and 1984, than similar bare-soil (unmulched) treatments, respectively. In Fall 1983, use of white/black (top/bottom) laminated plastic mulch reduced yields by 12% compared to similar unmulched treatments. Total water (irrigation plus precipitation) applied to furrow-irrigated plots nearly equalled pan evaporation (E pan ). Trickle-irrigated plots received < 45% of E pan in all seasons, resulting in increased water-use efficiency with drip irrigation. Trickle irrigation as applied did not affect soluble salts concentration in the soils.
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