Response surface analysis of tomato production under microirrigation

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effect of irrig ation level, fertigation level and frequency of microirrigation on the yiel d of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill, cv. Dhanashri). Optimization was performed to assess maximum yield and minimum input cost. Computer generat ed response surfaces, canonical analysis and contour plot interpretation re vealed that drip irrigation scheduled at every second day frequency with ir rigation level 79% of ET and fertigation at 96% of recommended dose resulte d in maximum yield of tomato. It saved water to the tune of 21% and increas ed yield up to 27%. Further, considering the advent of mechanically moved p ortable drip sets, with every second day irrigation approximately 50% savin g on initial investment of drip set can be achieved as the same set will ir rigate double the area. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.