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Enhancing melon yield through a low-cost drip irrigation control system with time and soil sensor

Author

Listed:
  • Thawatchai Thongleam

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand)

  • Kriengkrai Meethaworn

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand)

  • Sanya Kuankid

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand)

Abstract

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method for watering crops, as it delivers water directly to the roots and minimises wastage due to evaporation or runoff. This paper presents the development and implementation of a low-cost drip irrigation control system that uses both time- and soil sensor-based approaches. The system's efficiency was compared through a field experiment of melon growing, divided into three categories and four replications using a completely randomised design. The treatments include: T1 [time-based irrigation (TBI)], T2 [soil moisture-based irrigation (SMI)], and T3 [hand watering irrigation system (HWI)]. Results indicated that the TBI technique resulted in faster plant growth compared to the other treatments, as evidenced by increased leaf widths, lengths, numbers, and stem diameter. All irrigation techniques showed significant differences in yield characteristics, with TBI and SMI producing no differences in the first flowering day of female fruit widths, lengths, and weight of melon. However, the HWI treatment resulted in lower fruit length and weight yields. Cost analysis showed that the system is beneficial as a very low-cost device that is affordable, precise, and useful for measuring and controlling irrigation-related parameters for melon cultivation.

Suggested Citation

  • Thawatchai Thongleam & Kriengkrai Meethaworn & Sanya Kuankid, 2024. "Enhancing melon yield through a low-cost drip irrigation control system with time and soil sensor," Research in Agricultural Engineering, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 70(1), pages 13-22.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:70:y:2024:i:1:id:20-2023-rae
    DOI: 10.17221/20/2023-RAE
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    1. Navarro-Hellín, H. & Torres-Sánchez, R. & Soto-Valles, F. & Albaladejo-Pérez, C. & López-Riquelme, J.A. & Domingo-Miguel, R., 2015. "A wireless sensors architecture for efficient irrigation water management," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 64-74.
    2. Sensoy, Suat & Ertek, Ahmet & Gedik, Ibrahim & Kucukyumuk, Cenk, 2007. "Irrigation frequency and amount affect yield and quality of field-grown melon (Cucumis melo L.)," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 88(1-3), pages 269-274, March.
    3. Visconti, Fernando & Salvador, Alejandra & Navarro, Pilar & de Paz, José Miguel, 2019. "Effects of three irrigation systems on ‘Piel de sapo’ melon yield and quality under salinity conditions," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
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