Irrigation of greenhouse-grown cucumbers

G. Eliades

Journal of Horticultural Science · 1988 · 43 citations · 7 references

Concepts

Abstract

SummaryThe potential évapotranspiration (ETP) of heated greenhouse-grown cucumber was measured over two experimental seasons (1982–3 and 1983–4) using plants grown in drainage lysimeters. The crop ETP at planting in November was 0.2 of evaporation from a United States Weather Bureau Class A screened pan (Epan) located outside the greenhouse, and increased gradually to 1.1 × Epan at the conclusion of the experiment in May. Over the whole growing period the average water requirement was equivalent to 0.7 × Epan. The crop ETP ranged between 0.6 and 5.7 mm d−1 with a whole-season irrigation requirement corresponding to 5040 m3 ha−1. Water applications at 0.6 × ETP reduced yield significantly. The highest yield was obtained with the 1.0 × ETP treatment. Soil salt concentration below the dripper increased as the amount of water applied decreased, while mid-way between irrigation lines, salt concentration increased as the amount of water supplied increased. The highest salt accumulation occurred in the surface 0–10 cm layer of the soil.

References

7