Kumar et al.

accessories like valves, pressure regulators, pressure

Three different types of dippers having flow rate of

gauge, fertilizer application components etc. The

2 L/hr, 4 L/hr and 8 L/hr were successively provided

design and layout of drip irrigation system adversely

in different sub laterals of the drip irrigation system

affect the growth and yield of cultivated crops and it

(Figure 1). At an interval of seven days, growth of

also leads to the wastage of water and fertilizer. The

tomato plant for individual flow rate was measured

layout of drip irrigation system was prepared, which

for 85 days. Length and diameter of stem, number

is shown in Figure 1.

of branches and canopy spread were considered as

growth parameters in present study. Length and

diameter of stem of tomato plant were measured

by scale and vernier- caliper respectively, while

number of canopy was counted manually. The yields

of tomato at different discharges of drippers were

measured separately in terms of kg/ha and yield of

tomato at different flow rate was further compared.

Canopy (crown) spread was measured by Cross-

method. The mathematical expression used to

Figure 1. Layout of drip irrigation system

estimate the average crown spread is provided in

equation 1. The growth parameters were compared

The actual site of drip irrigation is shown in Figure

with different flow rates.

2. The recommended level of primary fertilizers

(nitrogen: 75kg/ha, potassium: 60 kg/ha and

phosphorus: 60 kg/ha) were applied in tomato crop

… (1)

(Lakshmi; 1997). Nitrogen was given in split doses.

Where, Sa is the average crown spread; Sl is the

Half nitrogen and full phosphorous were given at

longest spread; Slc is the longest cross spread

the time of transplanting and remaining nitrogen

was given after 30 days and 60 days of transplanting.

To study the effect of fertigation through drip

The availability of Primary fertilizers (nutrient) in

irrigation method on the overall growth of tomato

soil was estimated by soil testing. The deficit value

crop, the experimental farm area has been divided

of primary fertilizers has been full filled in only three

into two sections which are shown in Figure 1. To

ridges of tomato crop by fertigation through drip

compare the effect of fertigation, one section of the

irrigation.

Figure 2. A view of tomato plants with drip irrigation system

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