Effects of Surface Drip, Furrow Irrigation Methods and Fertilization on Tomato Growth, Yield and Quality

Abstract

The current study investigates the integrative effects of modern drip and traditional furrow irrigation techniques, coupled with a nitrogen (N) fertilization strategy, on tomato farm production under water-limited conditions in the arid regions of northern Sudan. The research treatments were assigned in a split-plot with a factorial subplot in a randomized complete block design with three replications, drip irrigation and furrow irrigation assigned as main plot treatments, and four N fertilizer application rates (0%, 60%, 80% and 100% of 100 kg/feddan as recommended dose) as subplots. The study tested the performance of irrigation techniques, growth parameters, yield components, and nutrient use efficiency. The evaluation of irrigation system performance revealed a statistically significant improvement (P ≤ 0.05) in the modern drip irrigation method compared with furrow irrigation. Drip irrigation achieved the highest irrigation uniformity indices, with a Coefficient of Uniformity (CU) of 87.6% and a Distribution Uniformity (DU) of 70%. The study results revealed significant impacts of average discharge and coefficient of variation at the 0.05 level of significance. Their results ranged from 1.9 l/h - 2.46 l/h, 3.0 - 7.7, 63.1% - 87.6%, and 53.1% - 70%. The integration of drip irrigation and FI with 80% NFR in furrow obtained maximum tomato yield as 29.0 fruit/plant and 11.63 fruit/plant, and saved 20% of nutrient use. On the other hand, considering the agronomy components and yield components, the most preferable integration may be assigned to SDI with 80% NFR in drip irrigation and FI with 80% NFR in furrow for their high yield, better agronomy components, enhancement of yield components, and increased nutrient use efficiency. The study presented profitable water and nutrient combination strategies for the growth and yield of tomato cultivated under water-limited conditions in arid regions of northern Sudan.