Effect of deficit irrigation on potatoes production

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in 1986/87 crop growing season to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation on potatoes production. The experiment consisted of three irrigation levels, 80%,50% and 30% of available water (levels 1, 2 and 3) and two varieties of potatoes (Ajax and Miraka). The soil of the experimental site is sandy loam and the irrigation water used had an EC of 5.5 dS/m at 25°c. The accumulative water applied was 540, 440, and 390 mm for levels 1,2, and 3, respectively. The gross irrigation water required for the region using surface irrigation and irrigation water with EC of 5.5 dS/m was calculated as 960 mm. At the highest level of irrigation, maximum average yield of2.717 and 2.433 gtm2 were obtained for Ajax and Miraka, respectively. The yield was a function of the quantity and quality of irrigation water. It could be suggested that the inhibiting effect of the saline water on potatoes yield can be decreased by frequent irrigation, and increasing the leaching fraction.