ALTERNATIVE IRRIGATION METHODS IN TOBACCO SEEDLING PRODUCTION
Keywords:
irrigation, tobacco seedlings, micro-sprinkling, watering can, sprinklerAbstract
Irrigation represents one of the main agrotechnical practices in tobacco seedling production. However, seedlings are
still predominantly produced in cold-prepared seedbeds using traditional irrigation methods, which are labor-intensive, associated with high water losses and increased susceptibility to diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different irrigation methods on the total number and quality of healthy tobacco seedlings. Three irrigation treatments were compared: manual watering with a perforated watering can (control), sprinkler irrigation, and overhead micro-sprinkler irrigation (micro-rain). Micro-sprinkler irrigation significantly improved seedling performance, resulting in the highest plant density (2990 plants m2) and the highest number of seedlings suitable for transplanting (2122 plants m2), compared to the control (2660 plants m2, 1862 suitable). Seedlings produced with micro-sprinkler irrigation were ready for transplanting 5–10 days earlier, achieved greater height, and developed a stronger root system. These results were consistently confirmed over two consecutive years, highlighting microsprinkler irrigation as a water-efficient and practically applicable irrigation method.
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