Atmometer-based furrow irrigation for sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
Abstract
The study focused on the development of water management technology for sweetpotato utilizing atmometer for scheduling. Shallow tube well irrigation systems were installed to implement the technology. Experimental sites were located at San Felipe, Zambales in rainfed lowland and lahar-laden area. Four treatments with three replications were implemented such as T0 - rainfed condition (control), T1 - every 7 days, T2 - every 14 days, and T3 - every 21 days irrigation. 15 square meter plot size were separated with two meter-alley and laid out in a randomized complete block design. Data were tested in analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis for Agricultural Research (STAR). Results of the study showed that in lahar-laden area T1 and T2 produced significantly higher yield compared to T0. T1 and T2 with 13.87 kg and 13.36 kg/30 samples, respectively. However, T3 with 9.89 kg, have no significant difference with the control with 8.01 kg. These were attributed to more significant number of large storage roots under the irrigation treatments. Herbage weight was also found to be significantly higher in T2 with 500.83 gram/plant. In lowland condition, irrigation treatments had no significant effect compared to control. However, presence of weevil were observed under control plots. On the other hand, shallow-tube wells and atmometer use could possibly increase income of 23.51 to 37.28%, with a pay-back period of 0.74 to 3.20 years.
