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Timer versus moisture sensor-based irrigation control of soilless lettuce: Effects on yield, quality and water use efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • F.F. Montesano

    (Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy)

  • M.W. van Iersel

    (Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, Athens (GA), USA)

  • A. Parente

    (Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy)

Abstract

The study compares the effects of: timer ('Timer') and soil moisture sensor-controlled irrigation on soilless lettuce; two volumetric water content (Θ) thresholds for irrigation (0.30 ('Θ = 0.3') and 0.40 m3/m3 ('Θ = 0.4')). The most nutrient solution (NS) was applied in 'Timer' where the lowest water use efficiency was observed, with 17 and 42% less NS used in 'Θ = 0.4' and 'Θ = 0.3', respectively. Irrigation volumes followed the plant water needs in the sensor-controlled treatments, with little or no leaching, while 18% of leaching was recorded in 'Timer'. Plants in 'Timer' and 'Θ = 0.4' had higher fresh weights (24%) and leaf area (13%) than plants in 'Θ = 0.3'. Similar dry weight was observed among treatments but percentage of dry matter was 20% higher in 'Θ = 0.3'. Gas exchanges and leaf tissues chemical composition were similar in all treatments, but nitrate concentration was lower in the 'Θ = 0.3' plants. Precision sensor-controlled irrigation based on Θ measurements is an effective tool to increase the overall water use efficiency and to improve the quality of soilless-grown lettuce by acting on the substrate moisture level.

Suggested Citation

  • F.F. Montesano & M.W. van Iersel & A. Parente, 2016. "Timer versus moisture sensor-based irrigation control of soilless lettuce: Effects on yield, quality and water use efficiency," Horticultural Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 43(2), pages 67-75.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlhor:v:43:y:2016:i:2:id:312-2014-hortsci
    DOI: 10.17221/312/2014-HORTSCI
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    Cited by:

    1. Milan Čížek & Zuzana Komárková, 2022. "Comparison of aeroponics and conventional system of production of potato mini-tubers in the conditions of the Czech Republic," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 68(8), pages 366-374.

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