Response of micro-irrigation and fertigation on high-value vegetable crops under control conditions

Abstract

Presently, adoption of drip irrigation in India is increasing and about 5.50 lakh hectares area is covered under drip irrigation under various crops. Furthermore, there is good potential for adoption of drip irrigation and use of water soluble fertilizers with drip system, i.e. fertigation technique for achieving better productivity and quality in different crops with the Government support (Jade, 5). The micro-irrigation also enables use of fertilizers, pesticides and other soluble chemicals along with the irrigation water more economically and thus enhancing quality of produce and yield (Singh et al., 11). Micro-irrigation is a highly efficient method of water application to crops, which substantially saves water and fertilizer, increases yield besides improving quality of produce and reducing labour. In the recent years there has been a serious concern of global shortage of water. It is estimated that in India by 2025, 33 per cent of India’s population will live under severe scarcity conditions (Chauhan, 4).