Assessment of Various Uniformity Aspects under Surface Drip Irrigation System in Tomato

Abstract

Background: Water in any form is the prime constitute of plant growth and development. Right amount of water applied at right time and in right quantity to any crop will helpful to get maximum yield potential of that crop. This is possible with surface drip irrigation method. Uniform application of water through emitters is the necessary aspect to avail benefits like higher water use efficiency of surface drip irrigation. Uniformity of surface drip irrigation system can be measured by various uniformity aspects viz., coefficient of variation (CV), distribution uniformity (DU), statistical uniformity (SU) and coefficient of uniformity (CU). Factors like land levelling, maintenance of drip lines, pressure management etc. plays a vital role in conserving the uniformity of outflow of emitters. Methodology: In this trial, all these uniformity aspects were measured using catch cane method at initial stage of drip irrigation system installation and on the basis of these dataset several improvements were made for better uniformity of emitter outflow at later planting stage. Results: Coefficient of uniformity (CU) of surface drip irrigation system was recorded 96.89% at initial stage and later on it was improved to 97.02% during the first experimental year whereas in second year it was noted 95.58% at initial stage and was improved to 96.80% at later stage.