Effect of Hydrophobic Polymer Application and Irrigation Rates on Yield of Field Grown Okra

Abstract

Improving irrigation efficiency is of great importance in conserving water resources of arid countries. The effect of a hydrophobic polymer (called Guilspare) to improve yields and water use efficiencies of okra (Adelmoschus esculentus) plants was investigated using a 3x3 Latin Square field experiment. Soils were treated with Guilspare by spraying the surface with an aqueous solution and left to dry. Yields of okra, planted in April and October, were assessed from plots receiving two rates of Guilspare application against an untreated control. Each column within the design received irrigation water at separate rates. Yields and water use efficiencies were generally higher, and a higher proportion of the total yield was harvested earlier, from Guilspare treated than untreated plots. Comparisons of yields from treated plots receiving lowest irrigation rates and untreated plots receiving the highest irrigation rate, suggested that similar yields can be obtained by using the polymer with, approximately, 25% and 50% less water in summer and in winter, respectively.

Keywords

• dripline irrigation, water use efficiency, water saving potential.