Trickle Irrigation of Vegetables: Water Conservation Without Yield Reduction

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Abstract
To evaluate sprinkler and trickle irrigation efficiencies for high yield and quality of vegetable crops, a trial was established with snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), pepper (Capsicum annuum), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), on a silt loam soil in central Iowa. The soil organic matter level was 3.1%, and the water holding capacity 10 inches (25 cm) for the top five feet (1.5 m) of soil. The trickle irrigation system was superior to the sprinkler system for yield and quality for pepper and tomato, and the two irrigation systems were equivalent for snap bean production. The 30% trickle irrigation water level, as a percentage of sprinkler applied, maintained top yields; thus saving 70% of the water quantity. Tensiometer readings could be used to schedule the trickle irrigation system by establishing set points for beginning and ending the cycle.

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