Fertigation studies using wick irrigation system

Abstract

At the time when the organic farming is gaining popularity in Kerala, there are more options for farmers. ‘WICK IRRIGATION’ is an irrigation technique modified by Kamalam Joseph, a scientist from CWRDM in Kozhikode with an aim to facilitate farming even when there is scarcity of water. It is a user-friendly irrigation method, which is cheaper and at the same time water efficient. The scientific principle behind this irrigation method is capillary action. Water tends to move towards dry objects using this principle. Fertigation is a combined application of water and soluble fertilizer along with water through irrigation system. The major advantages of fertigation are saving of water, labour and money. It is a precise application of water soluble fertilizers and other nutrients to the soil at desired concentrations at appropriate time. Hence, ultimately provide a higher yield. The present study was undertaken to study the fertigation using wick irrigation system. The experiment was conducted in the experimental plot of PFDC, Tavanur located at KCAET. A comparative evaluation was carried out between biometric observations, yield parameters and nutrient content of the two sets of crop grown inside the rainshelter, one set with fertigation using wick by varying concentrations and combinations and the other one with manual fertilizer application. The major crop growth parameters like height of the plant, stem girth, number of branches, days to first flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to first harvest were observed. Yield parameters viz. size of the fruit, fruit diameter, and number of fruits harvested per plant and yield per plant were recorded during the study. The nutrient content of the soil before planting and after harvesting under each treatment were noted. Values of all growth and yield parameters were found to be better for the crop with the manual fertilizer application compared to the fertigation using wick. Hence it can be concluded that manual fertilizer application can ensure better yield for tomato variety Akshaya using wick irrigation system.