Seasonal Irrigation Water Use Efficiency of Multi-Pot Box System

Abstract

Abstract A Multi-Pot Box System (MPBS) was tested during three growing seasons (Fall 1996, Fall 1997, and Fall 1998) for efficient use of irrigation and rainfall in container-grown landscape plant production. This system was compared to a conventional (control) system consisting of black containers spaced on 30 cm (1 ft) centers. Results showed that the MPBS was successful in improving efficient use of irrigation and rainfall for Viburnum odoratissimum, Ker-Gawl. (sweet viburnum). Significant portions of the total rainfall were captured during the Fall 1996 (71.3%) and Fall 1997 (54%) seasons and later supplied to plants increasing rainfall effectiveness and irrigation water use efficiency. Thus, the need for the irrigation applications was significantly reduced for the plants grown in the MPBS. The seasonal irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was significantly higher for the MPBS compared to the control system in all seasons, demonstrating that significantly less irrigation water was necessary to produce the same amount or greater plant dry mass (shoot and root). Growth indices [(average width + height) / 2)] and shoot and root dry weights were usually significantly higher in all seasons (with exception of the shoot dry weight in Fall 1997) for the plants grown in the MPBS. Results indicate a potential opportunity for using the MPBS for efficient irrigation and water savings for container-grown landscape plants