BELL PEPPER YIELD RESPONSE TO CARBONATED IRRIGATION WATER

Field studies were conducted to determine the influence of carbonated irrigation water on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) yield, plant nutr ient status, canopy carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, and soil pH. M arketable yield, early yield, marketable fruit size distribution, and plant nutrient status were unaffected by carbonated irrigation water. Air CO2 concentration in the lowest portion of the canopy increased du ring irrigation events, but returned to the ambient CO2 concentration shortly after irrigation ceased. The effect of carbonated irrigation w ater on soil pH was marginal and unpredictable.