2018 ASHS Annual Conference

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a prototype irrigation system on growth and transpiration of Kimchi cabbage. The prototype irrigation system (PIS) consisted of wire or wireless soil moisture sensors (FDR type), data logger, output control panel, and solenoid irrigation valves. The initial irrigation points were set by each soil moisture condition (pF 1.2, 1.7, 2.2, and 2.7). At 56 days after transplanting, the fresh weight and leaf area of Kimchi cabbages at pF 1.2 were the greatest among all the tested treatments, while those of pF 2.2 were lowest. The fresh weight at pF 1.2 was increased by 77% in 2 weeks, however that at pF 2.7 was 29%, while the growth of Kimchi cabbage was retarded in scarcity soil conditions applied by PIS. The results for leaf area were similar to fresh weight data. The stomatal conductance of Kimchi cabbage leaves at pF 1.2 was 266.2 mmol H₂O·m^-2·s^-1, which was the greatest among all the tested treatments. The difference of stomatal conductance was 168 mmol H₂O·m^-2·s^-1 between pF 1.2 and 2.7. Results suggested that PIS can control soil moisture for optimal growth of Kimchi cabbage and it will be feasible for controlling irrigation in open fields.