Pulse drip irrigation and fertigation water depths in the water relations of coriander

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was installed to evaluate the effect of pulse drip irrigation under different water depth levels (fertigation) in the main water relations of coriander crop (Coriandrum sativum). The experiment was installed under protected environment conditions, at UFRPE, Recife, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 2x5 factorial scheme, with three replications. Treatments consisted of two application types (continuous and pulsed irrigation), and five water depths with replacement of 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Water demand was estimated through water balance using a drainage lysimetry. Six irrigation pulses were defined with a 60-minute-rest interval between two successive applications. Plants irrigated by pulses showed higher water productivity values (fresh and dry mass), higher water content (shoot and root), higher shoot mass production index and lower root mass production index and root-shoot ratio. The reduction of applied fertigation water depths increased plant water stress index. The irrigation pulses used ensured water content able to maintain the crop’s marketable quality. Pulse application in irrigation system increased shoot mass production index and reduced root mass production index.