2019 ASHS Annual Conference
Adaptability, Efficiency, and Impact of Irrigation Systems & Scheduling Methods on Small and Limited Resource Vegetable & Fruit Farms in MS
Methods On Small and Limited Resource Vegetable & Fruit Farms in MS
Efficient use of water by irrigation is becoming increasingly vital. Methods such as drip irrigation may
contribute significantly to best management practices for yield and water use in agriculture. Thus, helping
limited resource farmers sustain economic stability. This preliminary study examines the effects of
scheduled irrigation regimes designed for growing Aristotle X3R Hybrid bell peppers (Capsicum annuum)
sprayed through a micro-irrigation system (drip irrigation) within a high tunnel (HT). To prepare the HT,
firm seedbeds were generated before planting by wetting the soil and allowing a flush of weed seedlings.
Five raised seedbeds were covered using a plastic mulch system integrated with drip tape to increase
vegetable yields and reduce chemical (organic) input on weed control. Aristotle bell pepper seedlings (10)
were transplanted into five rows of distinct plots, with sensors located between the 5th and 6th bell pepper
plant. Irrigation regimes consisted of three irrigation intervals (15, 30, and 45 centibars). Sensor-based
treatments (Granular Matrix Sensors) used soil moisture sensors buried at 8, 12, and 16 inches deep within
the bell pepper root zone to maintain soil moisture at a set level. 900M Watermark Monitors adopting eight
channel data loggers were also installed in the HT to continuously record data for analysis of trends and
provide users with an active means of collecting information.
Objectives:
To determine optimal irrigation methods based on soil moisture sensors in a field and high tunnel setting.
To educate growers and improve the productivity and economic viability of small and limited resource growers and the communities they serve.
Materials:
Drip irrigation tape, plastic mulch, high tunnel, 900 M Irrometer watermark monitors, Granular matrix sensors, Rain Bird Electronic Garden Hose Watering Timer, Chapin Hydro Feed fertilizer injector
Effects of major treatment:
30 and 45 centibars(cb) treatments produced plants that had a higher index than the treatment at 15cb.
Major conclusion:
This experiment utilized sensors at two or more depths in the root system to determine how much water to was required to apply. To further improve uptake and soil tension, this experiment will be conducted both in an open field production system and the high tunnel. This addition will provide baseline information for small farmers and compare the economic potential of growing. Furthermore, steam sterilization will be implemented to reduce weeds, bacteria, and pests that may harm hybrid bell peppers. Coupled with steam sterilization and irrigation system, we will also utilize above-ground portable heaters powered by propane as supplemental heating to reduce plant mortality from inclement weather.