Journal of Horticulture
Open Access
ISSN: 2376-0354
ISSN: 2376-0354
Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Research Article
Regulated Dry Season Irrigation Effects on Tree Water Use, Root Zone Moisture Dynamics and Yield of Cacao in a Rainforest Zone of Nigeria
Author(s): Agele Samuel Ohikhena*
The humid tropics is characterized by wet-dry seasonal transitions, irrigation has the potential for building adaptation and resilience to climate stress for enhancing crop performance. A field trial was conducted to investigate the effects of regulated dry season irrigation on tree water use, root zone moisture dynamics and yield of cacao in a rainforest zone of Nigeria. Irrigation amounts computed as EPan*Pan coefficients were based on cumulative class A pan evaporation. Irrigation treatments were coded as IrT1 (EPan*1,0), IrT2 (EPan*0.7) and IrT3 (EPan*0.5). Irrigation water was applied 5 days interval and discharged via point source emitters (2.8 l/h discharge rate ) on drip lines laterally installed per row of trees. Mean irrigation requirements were 4.49 mm (9.81:9.6 l/tree/day), 3.14 mm (7.06: 6.8 l/tree/day) and 2.44 mm (5.4.. View More»
DOI:
10. 35248/2376-0354.23.10.005