Water use productivity of pepper under three micro irrigation systems

This research was conducted to determine the most suitable irrigation system in pepper farming. The objectives of this study were to reduce water consumption in pepper cultivation and to limit disease development (phytophthora, capsici). This completely block design with four replicates during two years. In this research three micro irrigation systems(Porous pipe, Tape and Drip Irrigation) considered as main plots and three levels of water consumption(50, 75 and 100% of complete water requirement as sub-plots. Results indicated that the irrigation systems and water consumption levels had significant effect on yield and the amount of pollution(alpha < 0.05). Tape irrigation system had most effect on pollution control. Also, none of investigated characters except yield did show significant effect in different irrigation levels. Interaction between irrigation systems and different irrigation levels, was significant for controlling pollution development(alpha < 0.05) and the treatments of 75% and 50% in Tape pipes show least disease increase. Maximum yield was obtained, using Tape pipes with 100% irrigation level treatment. Water use productivity in irrigation systems were different(alpha < 0.05) and Tape irrigation method with 100% and 75% water used had highest efficiency, respectively. In second year, irrigation levels and their interaction in pollution increasing rate had significant difference (alpha < 0.05). Drip irrigation system with 75% water used indicated significant effect on pollution controlling. Irrigation systems and levels had significant effect on yield. Maximum yield was obtained, using Tape pipes with 100% irrigation level. In general the maximum yield and water use productivity were obtained in Tape irrigation system with 100% water consumption, therefore, this treatment is recommended.