Journal of Horticulture
Open Access
ISSN: 2376-0354
ISSN: 2376-0354
Hazel K Smith
United Kingdom
Research Article
Significant Water Savings Can Be Made In Commercial Spinach Cropping Without Adverse Impacts on Crop Yield or Shelf Life
Author(s): Hazel K Smith, Graham JJ Clarkson and Gail TaylorHazel K Smith, Graham JJ Clarkson and Gail Taylor
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is grown extensively across the globe but requires irrigation to maintain both yield and leaf quality. Water resources are being put under increasing pressure as we endeavour to produce enough food, fuel and fibre for a growing human population. Thus, improving our water use efficiency is becoming ever more important. Here, we report the impacts of excess and deficit irrigation on spinach yield and quality. Mild deficit irrigation (-18% of commercial water application) had no significant impact on crop quality indicators or yield, with a trend for improved shelf life, when compared to the commercially irrigated crop. Alongside this, yield was only improved when water was applied in 40% above commercial levels. The yield and quality maintenance observed under mild water deficit was associated with a reduced stomatal index suggesting a useful trai.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2376-0354.1000242