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Introduction. Water is an essential resource affecting growth, development and yield of crops. Potato is very sensitive to water availability as potatoes have shallow root system. pre-sowing irrigation is advantageous for uniform germination.
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Introduction • Water is an essential resource affecting growth, development and yield of crops. • Potato is very sensitive to water availability as potatoes have shallow root system. pre-sowing irrigation is advantageous for uniform germination. • Total water requirement of crop at seedling stage varies between 350-550mm depending upon soil type, climate and crop duration. Lack or excess of soil moisture affects tuber yield and quality.
Irrigation Methods Water requirement of a TPS nursery can be fulfilled by various methods including, • Sprinkler irrigation, • Trickle/Drip Irrigation and • Furrow Irrigation
Sprinkler Irrigation: Sprinkler irrigation system provides irrigation water like rain fall. Sprinkler irrigation system has characters such as, • It saves around 30-35% water than flood irrigation system. • It can be used to improve the microclimate of the nursery. • Irrigates a large area uniformly and at a time. • Minimizes soil erosion and prevents damage to soil structure. • The initial cost of establishment is high.
Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation system is system of irrigation where water is supplied directly into the root zone of the plant. Drip Irrigation system has following characters: • It saves around 50% water than flood irrigation system. • Fertilizers can be applied to seedlings along with water. • Minimizes soil erosion but may causes soil salinity. • Evaporation losses are minimum but initial cost is high.
Drip Irrigation System Furrow Irrigation System
Furrow Irrigation System: Furrow Irrigation System is a traditional system of applying water to the nursery. True potato seeds are sown on ridges and furrows prepared before sowing. This system of irrigation has characters such as, • Wastage of precious irrigation water. • Water logging conditions may occur in heavy soils. • Not suitable for TPS nursery. • There are chances of soil erosion and soil salinity problems.
Quality of Irrigation Water • Availability of good quality water is a very important input in nursery business. Potential sources of water include lakes, ponds, streams, wells and municipal water supplies. • Potato is very susceptible to salinity of soil or water. Sprinkler irrigation with salt containing water may cause water burn damage to foliage. • Most of the anions are phytotoxic and cations like Na+ damages soil structure.
Selection of Irrigation Source Potato is a sensitive crop therefore, following criteria may be considered while finalizing the irrigation water source: • Minimum Level ofcontaminants and debris in water. • Water Storage facility in most demanding period (June-August). • Duration of the water availability from irrigation sources. • Environmental and legal limitations for using the water source. • Quality and quantity of the irrigation water.
Water Quality Parameters for Different Sources Note: SS: suspended solids, DO: dissolved oxygen, EC: electrical conductivity, TN: Total Nitrogen, TP: Total Phosphorous, BOD: Biological Oxygen Demand, COD: Chemical Oxygen Demand