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| Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries |
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Yves Martineau1, George Read1, Ron Pond1, Marc Robichaud1 and Wayne Perry 2
Abstract: A study was conducted at the New Brunswick Horticulture Centre, Hoyt, Sunbury county in 1996, to evaluate the feasibility of using a drip irrigation system in a potato crop, c.v Russet Burbank. The experiment was also to evaluate the effect of irrigation and nitrogen rate and time of application on the residual nitrate in the soil profile after harvesting . Both the total and marketable yield were higher when soil moisture was kept between 35 % allowable depletion and field capacity (v/v) from tuber initiation until harvest. The effect of irrigation was mainly attributed to an increase in both the number and the size of tubers. The residual nitrate level in the first 90 cm of soil was lower under supplemental irrigation. The use of drip-tape to supplement water in the potato crop has been proven technically feasible. Further works remain to be done in the water and nitrogen management using drip system and in the automation of the system and retrieving of the drip tape.
1Land Resources Branch, NBDARD, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
2NB Horticulture Centre, Hoyt, NB E0G 2B0
1Land Resources Branch, NBDARD, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
2NB Horticulture Centre, Hoyt, NB E0G 2B0