ISHS Acta Horticulturae 58: International Symposium on Vegetable Crops under Glass Protection
EFECT OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION METHODS AND LEVELS ON GREENHOUSE MUSKMELON |
| Authors: | A. BORELLI, G. ZERBI |
| Abstract:
A study has been carried out, in Southern Italy, on glasshouse muskmelon to investigate on irrigation requirements and to test trickle irrigation method versus furrow infiltration. Irrigations were performed whenever a cumulated value of 30 mm of maximum evapotranspiration was reached (ETM was calculated from a radiation empirical formula). Four irrigation levels were obtained multiplying ETM by the coefficients 0,40–0,55–0,70–0.85. Results obtained have shown that the regression of yield on irrigating level was of the curvilinear type, showing decreasing yield incrementes with increasing soil moisture. Trickle irrigation has demonstrated a better efficiency, particularly at low irrigation level, with higher yield and fruit weight, and lower discard production. Refractometric index has been found strictly correlated with harvesting time and inversely related to irrigation level. Data on evaporation from a Wild evaporigraph, located in the glasshouse, appear in close agreement with the calculated values of ETM; a less good association degree was found between ETM and an external “class A” evaporimeter. | |
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