Effect of irrigation and mulch levels on growth and yield components, yield, and water use efficiency of hot pepper (capsicum annuum L) in Eastern Ethiopia

The rising shortage of and competition for irrigation water necessitates the adoption of novel measures that promote efficient water application methods. Deficit irrigation is becoming more popular as a means of reducing water consumption without negatively affecting output in the context of improving water use efficiency. At Haramaya University, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of straw mulch levels and deficit watering on the yield components, yield, and water consumption efficiency of hot peppers (Capsicum annum L). Four levels of vetiver straw mulch (0, 3, 6, and 9 tons per ha) and three irrigation levels (100%, 75%, and 50% of ETc) were used in the factorial arrangement of a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental plot that got 100% ETc irrigation together with 6 t/ha of straw mulch produced the highest marketable yield (12.36 t/ha), whereas the plots that received 50% ETc irrigation and no mulch produced the lowest yield (4.66 t/ha). Plots received 50% ETc irrigation and 9 t/ha straw mulch, and 100% ETc irrigation and no mulch, respectively, exhibited the highest water consumption efficiency (3.99 kg/m3) and the lowest water consumption efficiency (1.95 kg/m3) values. Water saved, increased area to be farmed and extra yield due to conserved water attained from the plot that was treated with 75% ETc irrigation and 6 t/ha straw mulch were 1148.5 m3, 0.33 ha, and 4.02 tonnes, respectively. Thus, for successful hot pepper production in the research area and other areas with comparable agroecology, irrigating with 75% ETc mixed with 6 t/ha straw mulch may be suggested in terms of marketable hot pepper yield, economically appealing benefit, and water consumption efficiency.