Effect of Different Water Application Schedules on the Growth and Yield of Loose leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) at Golinga Irrigation Scheme in the Tolon District of Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

To assess the effect of different water application schedules on the growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa), a field experiment was carried out at Golinga Irrigation Site. Four treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in four replications. The treatments were; TRT1 (adlib application by farmers), TRT2 (100% of the daily ETc applied only in the morning at each growth stage), TRT3 (100% of the daily ETc applied only in the evening at each growth stage) and TRT4 (100% ETc split: 50% of the daily ETc applied in the morning and the other 50% applied in the evening at each growth stage). The daily crop water requirement (ETc) of the crop was calculated for the four stages of growth using the CROPWAT software bearing in mind the area of each bed (16m 2). The data was analyzed using the Genstat Software. The results revealed that plants grown in the TRT4 grew healthier and recorded the highest plant height (23.3cm), number of leaves (9), leaf spread (25.03cm), leaf area index (5.25), and fresh matter weight of leaf (43.0g), yield (28.3t/ha) and water productivity (7.2kg/m). Plants grown in TRT3 recorded the least values for plant height (19.8cm), number of leaves (7), leaf spread (20.9cm), leaf area index (4.1), fresh matter weight of leaf (30.7g), yield (13.9t/ha) and water productivity (3.5kg/m 3). It is recommended that interested lettuce farmers could adopt TRT4 water application schedule since it gave the highest values in all the parameters used for data collection.

Rice planting technologies and farm performance under different production systems in Ghana

“…The plausible explanation for this finding is that irrigation ensures constant and adequate supply of water for proper growth and development of rice compared with rain-fed production which is mostly erratic and unpredictable (Abdul-Ganiyu et al , 2012). Also, rice farmers who cultivate under the irrigation project in the study location are monitored by ICOUR who ensures that farmers cultivate rice timely, adopt improved varieties, sow in rows, nurse and transplant, and carry out other recommended agronomic practices as indicated earlier.…”

“…In addition, others (Chidiebere-Mark et al , 2019; Bidzakin et al , 2018; Mabe et al , 2018; Antwi and Aborisade, 2017; Antwi, 2016; Abdul-Ganiyu et al , 2012; Mariyono et al , 2010) examined farm performance under different rice production systems (irrigation and rain-fed) or planting technologies (broadcasting and transplanting) or swamp, upland and lowland production. For instance, Mabe et al (2018), Antwi and Aborisade (2017) and Antwi (2016) focused on productivity and profitability of rain-fed rice.…”

“…The use of improved rice planting methods under irrigation production could be an essential way of ameliorating these challenges faced by smallholder rice farmers in developing countries. Bidzakin et al (2018) and Abdul-Ganiyu et al (2012) found that irrigation increases rice productivity and production to meet demand due to reliable water supply. Fortunately, implementation of government policies towards improving technology dissemination and adoption, as well as ensuring agricultural modernization is already ongoing in Ghana.…”

“…A considerable body of previous studies on rice production under irrigation and rain-fed production systems and their associated effects on farm performance has been documented in the empirical literature (e.g. Chidiebere-Mark et al , 2019; Bidzakin et al , 2018; Mabe et al , 2018; Antwi and Aborisade, 2017; Antwi, 2016; Abdul-Ganiyu et al , 2012). Chidiebere-Mark et al (2019) examined the profitability of rice production under swamp, lowland and upland production systems in Ebonyi State of Nigeria.…”

Comparison of plant growth and remediation potential of pyrochar and thermal desorption for crude oil-contaminated soils

“…Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) plant is very sensitive towards soil hydrocarbons 9 . Lettuce seed and growth bioassays can be effectively used for the evaluation of soil toxicity due to contamination 10 .…”