https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5402-1518
![Sample our Food Science & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5936/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Food-Science-Technology.jpg"})
Abstract
The rising shortage of and competition for irrigation water necessitates the adoption of novel measures that promote efficient water application methods. Deficit irrigation is becoming more popular as a means of reducing water consumption without negatively affecting output in the context of improving water use efficiency. At Haramaya University, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of straw mulch levels and deficit watering on the yield components, yield, and water consumption efficiency of hot peppers (Capsicum annum L). Four levels of vetiver straw mulch (0, 3, 6, and 9 tons per ha) and three irrigation levels (100%, 75%, and 50% of ETc) were used in the factorial arrangement of a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental plot that got 100% ETc irrigation together with 6 t/ha of straw mulch produced the highest marketable yield (12.36 t/ha), whereas the plots that received 50% ETc irrigation and no mulch produced the lowest yield (4.66 t/ha). Plots received 50% ETc irrigation and 9 t/ha straw mulch, and 100% ETc irrigation and no mulch, respectively, exhibited the highest water consumption efficiency (3.99 kg/m3) and the lowest water consumption efficiency (1.95 kg/m3) values. Water saved, increased area to be farmed and extra yield due to conserved water attained from the plot that was treated with 75% ETc irrigation and 6 t/ha straw mulch were 1148.5 m3, 0.33 ha, and 4.02 tonnes, respectively. Thus, for successful hot pepper production in the research area and other areas with comparable agroecology, irrigating with 75% ETc mixed with 6 t/ha straw mulch may be suggested in terms of marketable hot pepper yield, economically appealing benefit, and water consumption efficiency.
Reviewing Editor:
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Haramaya University for providing financial support to cover the expenses incurred for this research work. Our appreciation and gratitude also extend to the School of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University for their valuable technical and material support starting from the research proposal up to the completion of the manuscript. The Ministry of Education is also highly acknowledged for the study sponsorship.
Author’s contributions
Addis Hailu was responsible for the conception and design, or analysis and interpretation of the data; the drafting of the paper, and Dr. Kibebew Kibret was responsible for the drafting of the paper, revising it critically for intellectual content, and the final approval of the version to be published.
Disclosure statement
The authors state that they have no known conflicting financial interests or personal ties that may have seemed to affect the work presented in this study.
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [Addis Hailu], upon reasonable request.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Addis Hailu Demo
Addis Hailu Demo is a Lecturer and Researcher in the School of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Science, at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He is specialized in Irrigation Agronomy (MSc) from Haramaya University. His research interest is Agricultural Water Management, Integrated nutrient management, Soil salinity, irrigation water quality management, and climate-smart agronomic practices.
Kibebew Kibret Tsehai
Dr. Kibebew Kibret Tsehai is an associate professor at the School of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Science, Haramaya University, Ethiopia. His research interests are Soil hydrology, irrigation agronomy, land suitability evaluation, modeling climate change impacts on soil properties and soil health, and vice versa.