Effect of fertigation using low cost drip irrigation system on physicochemical characteristics in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the favorite table fruit of tropical and subtropical region and belongs to family punicaceae. Irrigation and fertilizers are the most important inputs which directly affect the plant growth, development, yield and quality of produce. Application of irrigation water and fertilizers through drip are the most effective ways of supplying water and nutrients to the plant roots. Farmers generally irrigate the pomegranate through surface method of irrigation, which needs more water to irrigate the crop and huge quantity of water losses occur through leaching and evaporation. Similarly, farmers are using solid fertilizers for fruit crop production but these are not totally water soluble and hence are less available to plants and some of the fertilizers contain salts of sodium and chloride which not only affect the quality and quantity of crop production but they are also harmful to the soil.