Assessing the productivity of coriander under different irrigation depths and fertilizers applied with continuous and pulsed drip systems

In this study, the authors analyzed the consequences of irrigation management strategies as an essential factor to save water and maintain high crop yields. The present research aimed at comparing coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), cv. Verdao, yields under fertigation via drip irrigation with a continuous application and in pulses, with 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) being recovered. These treatments were distributed in randomized blocks in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with three replications, in a greenhouse located at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil (08 degrees 01 ' 6.50 '' S and 34 degrees 56 ' 46 '' W, average elevation 6.5 m). The continuous irrigation consisted of the application of water depth in a single daily event, while pulsed irrigation comprised the application of the same irrigation depth split up into five events with a 1-hour interval between pulses. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was determined via the water balance by lysimetric drainage. The fertilizers were applied in every watering. The biometric and productivity crop pointed that pulsed irrigation to a mean depth of 58% of the ETc corresponds to the results obtained with the application of the depth equivalent to 100% of the ETc by continuous irrigation, consequently with reduced input costs.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the impact of different irrigation management strategies on water conservation and crop yield maintenance, finding that pulsed irrigation can achieve similar yields to continuous irrigation with reduced input costs.