Influence of Drip Irrigation and Mulch on Leaf Area Maximization, Water Use Efficiency and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

This study critically assessed the influence of frequent availability of water i. e. drip irrigation and mulch on optimum leaf area development of potato that control light interception and soil moisture conservation. Crop growth was stimulated in terms of early pick up of leaf areas that quickly covered the ground and improved transpiration efficiency. Drip irrigation increased water use efficiency three times as compared with furrow irrigation (conventional method of irrigation). Black Polyethylene mulch (25µm) conserved soil moisture, raised soil temperature by 9 o C, stimulated shoot, solon and root growth, increased the total tuber number and yield but reduced the grade of tubers. Drip irrigation may prove a viable tool for source-sink alteration; stimulating early stolon initiation combined with ability to quick ground cover and sustained leaf growth for new tuber initiation for seed production as well as extended tuber bulking of early formed tubers for obtaining maximum yield with 50% saving of irrigation water and efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer.