Deficit Irrigation Effects on Potato Growth, Yield, Quality, and Water Use Efficiency: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66546/aijs.v2i2.38Keywords:
Potato, Deficit irrigation, Quality, Water use efficiency, YieldAbstract
Global agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater. Water scarcity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, is a major constraint to sustainable potato production. Comprehensive scientific evaluation of appropriate levels, timing, and methods of deficit irrigation remains limited. The objective of this review was to evaluate different deficit irrigation strategies. The focus was on potato yield, quality, and water-use efficiency. Relevant studies were collected from reputable scientific journals. These included field experiments, greenhouse studies, models, and meta-analyses. The data were analyzed using comparative and descriptive approaches. The results showed that moderate deficit irrigation reduces water consumption. It increases water-use efficiency. It also maintains or improves yield and quality. These effects are especially evident during the early growth stages. Methods such as PRD, AFI, and SSI are effective in saving water. They also improve production stability. However, the tuber formation and flowering stages are highly sensitive to water deficit. In conclusion, proper scheduling is important. Moderate deficit irrigation is an effective practical strategy. It ensures water saving. It increases economic benefits. It also supports sustainable potato production. These findings provide a scientific basis for decision-making for farmers and water management institutions.
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