Evaluation of micro-irrigation methods in pomegranate under semi-arid tropical climate of India

Abstract

Aim : To evaluate different micro-irrigation systems against basin irrigation in terms of growth, yield, fruit quality, disease Infestation and water use of pomegranate under semi-arid tropical climate of Central India. Methodology : A field experiment was conducted in newly planted pomegranate cv. Bhagwa orchard with four irrigation treatments, viz., drip (4 Iph, 4 plant-1), microjet 180° (2 plant-1), microjet 360° (2 plant-1) and basin (double ring) irrigation replicated five times in a randomised block design (RBD) in heavy textured soil. Results : Basin irrigation is widely practiced method of irrigation which presently facilitate better soli moisture distribution, resulted in better root proliferation and higher leaf nutrient status (K 0.98%, Cu 105.4 ppm and Zn 35.9 ppm) followed by drip (N 2.12% and Mn 40.4 ppm) system of irrigation. Maximum fruit yield was obtained under basin and drip which was 376.7% and 242.8% higher than that obtained under microjet 180° irrigation system, respectively. Water use efficiency was highest in drip (0.526) than basin (0.499) system of irrigation. Disease incidence in the plants was less under drip while it was high under microjet system of irrigation. Interpretation : Experimental findings clearly indicate that the areas which had ample amount of irrigation, basin irrigation was the most efficient system in harnessing maximum yields, while drip Irrigation resulted In higher water use efficiency under arid to semiarid tropical climate, micro-sprinkler irrigation system Is not beneficial for pomegranate orchards.