Irrigation management methods for the production of bell pepper in agricultural substrates

Summary

This greenhouse experiment in Brazil examined how two irrigation management methods (drainage lysimeter and Piché evaporimeter) and two growing substrates (coconut fibre and pinus bark) affected bell pepper production and quality under protected conditions. Whilst irrigation treatments and substrates did not significantly alter yield, they differentially influenced fruit quality: drainage lysimeter management with coconut fibre produced superior physical fruit characteristics, whilst pinus bark substrate enhanced chemical properties and Piché evaporimeter irrigation increased fruit pH. The authors note that additional research across varying environmental conditions is needed to optimise yield potential.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in a protected greenhouse environment in Brazil's semi-arid region and uses substrates and irrigation monitoring methods commonly applied in intensive horticulture. The findings may be partially transferable to protected horticulture in the United Kingdom, particularly for the relative performance of coconut fibre versus bark-based substrates, though UK greenhouse conditions, cultivars, and pest/disease pressures differ substantially from Brazil, requiring local validation.

Key measures

Total yield, marketable yield, non-marketable yield, production per plant, fruit fresh mass, fruit number, fruit length and diameter, length/diameter ratio, water use efficiency, pulp thickness, fruit pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated yield components, fruit quality traits, water use efficiency, and chemical composition of bell pepper grown under two irrigation management systems (drainage lysimeter and Piché evaporimeter) and two substrates (coconut fibre and pinus bark). Irrigation treatments and substrates did not significantly affect total or marketable yield, but influenced physical and chemical fruit quality characteristics differently.

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