Efecto del fertirriego en cultivo de pepino (cucumis sativus, l), bajo dos sistemas de riego en invernadero.

Abstract

The research was carried out at the "Santa Inés" farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Technical University of Machala, located in the parish of El Cambio, canton Machala, province of El Oro, Ecuador. Two irrigation systems (drip and micro-sprinkler) with two different frequencies (every 2 days and every 4 days) were used to evaluate the growth and productivity of the cucumber crop. The dependent variables included plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, water lamina, days to flowering and crop yield. The methodology consisted of weekly plant height measurements and fruit and flower counts, as well as precise measurements of fruit weight, fruit length and diameter. A completely randomized factorial design (EFCCA) was used with two treatments (irrigation frequency every 2 days and every 4 days) and four replicates per treatment. Meticulous soil preparation was carried out, including disinfection, plowing, and installation of the irrigation system. Nutrient dosage was adjusted to the stages of crop development, with variations in the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and boron. The results indicated significant differences in cucumber yield characteristics according to the frequency and irrigation system used. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in all cucumber yield variables, where it was evident that more frequent irrigation (every two days) resulted in a higher number of fruits per plant and higher average fruit weight compared to irrigation every four days. These findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that more frequent irrigation improves yield and fruit quality. In addition, drip irrigation systems tended to produce cucumbers with greater weight and diameter, and showed less variability compared to micro-sprinkler systems. Localized irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, have been shown to significantly improve water use efficiency and productivity of horticultural crops. The results of the study underline the importance of adjusting irrigation frequency and irrigation system to optimize cucumber yield and quality. Proper irrigation management not only contributes to higher water efficiency but also favors yield consistency and abundance. It was concluded that irrigation frequency and type of irrigation system have a significant impact on growth and yield characteristics of cucumber crop. More frequent irrigation (every two days) and the use of drip systems resulted in higher yield and fruit quality compared to less frequent irrigation (every four days) and the use of micro-sprinklers. The adoption of efficient and well-managed irrigation systems is essential to meet crop water demands and optimize agricultural productivity in Ecuador.