Production of hybrid tomato for higher income under drip irrigation and fertigation in Kashmir valley

Abstract

Water management is one of the key factors in successful cultivation of vegetable crops and tomato responds well to irrigation regime. Flood irrigation as the conventional method is being widely used to irrigate most of the vegetable crops particularly tomato grown in India. However, research studies carried out in India and abroad have reported higher application efficiency of drip irrigation over conventional (surface) method of irrigation by optimizing the use of limited water. Drip irrigation is one of the efficient irrigation system. It is the concept where water is applied at low rate frequently near the root zone of the plant. Drip irrigation is also ideally suited for controlling the placement and supply rate of water soluble fertilizers though fertigation. The sufficient fertilizer application and convenient irrigation techniques are very important factors affecting the growth and yield of tomato.