Effect of micro-irrigation and fertilization on potato yield in Jammu Region

The effect of micro-irrigation and fertilization methods on the growth, yield and quality of potato was studied in rainfed ecosystem of Jammu. The results revealed that drip irrigation with 100%, 75% and 50% of NPK fertigation were more efficient than sprinkler and recommended irrigation (flood irrigation) with 100% NPK solid application. Drip irrigation with 75% fertigation being at par with 100% and 50% fertigation not only increased the growth and yield attributes of potato but also increased the yield and quality significantly as compared to other treatments. The lowest tuber yield (8.89 t/ha) was recorded in 100% rainfed plots with 100% NPK solid application. The sprinkler irrigation also increased the growth, tuber yield and yield attributes of potato significantly over 100% rainfed and recommended irrigation with 100% NPK solid application. The study further revealed that both drip and sprinkler irrigation methods not only increased the tuber yield but also increased the water use efficiency, ascorbic acid and protein content significantly over recommended irrigation and 100% rainfed conditions. Highest tuber yield (24.81 t/ha) was recorded in drip irrigation with 100% NPK fertigation, with highest water use efficiency (107.83 Kg/ha/mm). Total water requirement in drip irrigation during 2008–09 and 2009–10 was 39mm and 64 mm less, respectively as compared to sprinkler irrigation and 103 and 77 mm less, respectively as compared to recommended irrigation.