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Assessment of Different Irrigation Levels on Carrots Under Semi-Arid Climate Conditions Using a Pot Experiment

Abstract

Water scarcity poses a significant challenge to agricultural production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluates the effects of three irrigation schemes—full irrigation (T100), moderate deficit irrigation (T66), and severe deficit irri- gation (T33)—on the growth, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) of carrots (Daucus carota L.) under controlled greenhouse conditions in Mogadishu, Somalia. Employing a randomised complete block design with five replications, soil and water with slightly elevated total dissolved salts, data were collected on crop evapotranspiration (ETc), plant height, number of leaves, root morphology, biomass, and WUE over two growing seasons—spring and fall. The results demonstrated that full irrigation signif- icantly enhanced growth and yield metrics, while severe deficit irrigation achieved the highest WUE during the spring season. However, severe deficit irrigation also led to substantial reductions in most measured parameters, with the exception of WUE. These findings highlight the potential of T100 as a sustainable approach in arid environments, enhancing resource efficiency without compromising yield. This study provides a foundation for improved water management practices in carrot cultivation under semi-arid climatic conditions.

Keywords

Crop evapotranspiration Irrigation Semi-arid climate Water use efficiency

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