. Introduction Tomato seedlings require adequate moisture during growth period. Quantity of water required varies according to soil type and climatic conditions.

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Introduction

• Tomato seedlings require adequate moisture during growth

period. Quantity of water required varies according to soil type

and climatic conditions. Timely irrigation results in to seedlings

healthy, vigorous and resistant to pest and disease attacks.

• Nursery beds should be irrigated lightly but frequently with a rose

can. Duration between 2 irrigations varies from 3-5 days in

summer and 8-10 days in winter.

• Withholding the water for 3-5 days before uprooting the seedlings

for transplantation can hardens the plants and reduces mortality

in field. But nursery beds must be watered just before uprooting

seedlings to minimize damage to roots.

• Tomato plants should be watered in the morning for most efficient

use of water as it gets more time to soak in soil before high

temperatures which can cause evaporation. Watering in the

evening should be avoided as it provides conducive humidity and

environment for attack by pests and diseases.

• Irrigation frequencies vary with soil type and climatic conditions.

Lighter soils require watering twice a week while heavier soils can

be watered only once a week.

• Watering is more frequent in summer while it is delayed in winter

season and almost absent in monsoon season.

Irrigation Time and Scheduling

Surface irrigation / Flood irrigation

Simplest irrigation method where water is allowed to flow freely

into flat or furrowed farms.

Advantages•It is comparatively cheap, as the infrastructural cost of this type of

irrigation system is minimum.•Water quality and climatic conditions cannot affect application of

irrigation to nursery.

Disadvantages•Flood irrigation may increase soil borne diseases and weed

growth.• Increase soil salinity in heavy soils and cause water logging.• Time and labour required for application of water is large.

Methods of Irrigation

Surface Irrigation

Sprinkler Irrigation

Methods of Irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation system is widely used in greenhouse grown

tomato nursery. Sprinkler heads are placed underneath the crop.

Advantages

•Water distribute evenly on large area and can irrigate various

crops at one time.

•Saves water in comparison to flood irrigation and very useful in

improving microclimate like increasing humidity and reducing soil

and air temperatures.

Disadvantages

•Water distribution can be affected by wind velocity.

•Infrastructural cost and power requirement of the system is more

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Sprinkler Irrigation

Drip irrigation is advanced method of irrigation, which can be used to

apply water and nutrients direct to the root zone.

Advantages•Saves 40 – 50 % water. Fertilizers can be applied through system•Seedling establishes quickly and less attack of pest and diseases.

Disadvantages•Infrastructural cost is high.

•It increase salt concentrations in top

soil.

Drip Irrigation

Drip Irrigation