“PE hose” drip irrigation technology for bok choy (Brassica rapa L.) plant culture using plastic mulch in drylands

Abstract

Lack of water in the phase of plant growth and development will cause productivity and quality in bok choy plants to decrease. Cultivation of bok choy plants in dryland drip irrigation technology using the PE (Polyethylene) hose is a solution to streamline water application. This study aims to determine the effect of water application using drip irrigation technology on bok choy plant growth, determine the amount of water application using drip irrigation, and determine the effect of using plastic mulch on bok choy plant growth. The method used is an experimental method with an experiment of giving water using drip irrigation to bok choy plants and combined with the use of plastic mulch. The parameters observed in this study were soil physical properties, the emission uniformity, water discharge, plant water requirements, and plant growth. The results showed that the average water discharge distributed was 0.04074 l/sec. The emission uniformity obtained an average value of Emission Uniformity (EU) of 88.36%. The plant water requirement for the middle period was 0.0128 liters/day/plant, and the final period was 0.0142 liters/day/plant. The best plant growth was found in the 15th observation, with an average plant height of 15.57 cm, an average number of leaves of 14.9 strands, and an average fresh weight of 148.1 grams. The application of the drip irrigation system as a water delivery tool has a good impact on plants. Watering using drip irrigation can save water expenditure and get good results. The use of plastic mulch can help the photosynthesis process on the leaves through the reflection of sunlight.