Effects of Different Irrigation Levels in Cultivation of “Mountain Tea”

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effects of full and limited irrigation on the growing and productive characteristics of organically cultivated “Mountain Tea” (Sideritis raeseri). The research took place at the University of Thessaly farm in Velestino, Magnesia-Central Greece, during the year 2016, which was the second growing season. The experiment consisted of three treatments in three replications. Two of the treatments were irrigated: one treatment was irrigated with a supplied amount of water equal to the 75% of the daily water needs, while the other one was fully irrigated (100% of the daily water needs). Irrigation water was provided with a surface drip irrigation system. The third treatment was rainfed (no irrigation–0%). The results showed that limited irrigation compared to the full one, can save a significant amount of irrigation water while having the same results regarding the crop’s characteristics.

Keywords

• mountain tea
• surface drip irrigation
• limited irrigation
• water saving