Methods of soil moisture maintenance for production of sunflower under controlled conditions

Abstract

Soil water content is one of the most significant restriction factors for plant growth and development. This study focused on evaluating the methods of soil moisture maintenance during trials under controlled conditions by observing the morphological and structural characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The experiments were performed in a greenhouse using an Oxisol. Four types of soil moisture maintenance treatments were tested (tensiometer, Irrigas, gravimetric method and self-irrigation system) with eight repetitions, employing a completely randomized experimental design. The variables analyzed included plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, and dry mass of shoot. The self-irrigation system was found to be technically fitting to manage the irrigation throughout the growth and development period of sunflower. The gravimetric method enabled a higher accumulation of dry mass of shoot.