Effect of irrigation and fertigation through subsurface drip system in tea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertigation using sub-surface drip irrigation on growth and yield of tea. The field experiment was carried out in tea growing regions of Assam and North Bengal from 2015-16. The treatments consisted of three levels of irrigation regime, three doses of fertilizer and control (Rainfed and traditional broadcast of fertilizer) tried in randomized block design (RBD) experiment. Irrigation schedule was based on the evapo-transpiration (ET) loss and application of measured quantity of fertilizer. The average data of three years (UP-LPUP) reveal that application of water equals to 100% Evapo-transpiration (ET) loss with fertigation of 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) produced significantly higher yield as compared to Control. Moreover, at irrigation regime equals to 100% ET loss, both 100% and 75% RDF was found to be at par in yield, thereby a saving of fertilizer to the tune of 25% could be achieved. The lowest yield was recorded when irrigation equals to 50% ET loss and 50% of RDF was applied. It was also observed that a curtailment of 25% of irrigation water is possible without affecting yield of tea. Experimental results clearly indicated that subsurface drip irrigation and fertigation have the potential to increase the yield of tea significantly and reduction in operational cost in tea production.

Keywords: tea, fertigation, subsurface drip irrigation