Use of plastic mulch combined with a drip irrigation system for the cultivation of eggplants
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2017-08-21 10:19 Updated: 2019-09-02 09:03
Compilers: Navin Chea
Reviewers: Alexandra Gavilano, Ursula Gaemperli, SO Than
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Cambodia
- Region/ State/ Province: Chreaeng Village, Svay Luong Commune, Kandieng District, Pursat Province
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
The cultivation of eggplants by using plastic mulch and a drip irrigation system in order to control weeds, retain soil moisture, save water and reduce labor for maintenance, weeding, watering, and the application of fertilizer for increase production and income.
Detailed description of the Technology
The use of organic materials such as rice straw, water hyacinth, woody herbs, and coconut leaves to retain soil moisture has been practiced by vegetable farmers for many years. Recently, with the availability of diverse industrial products the use of plastic has become a popular technology to cover soils. The impermeable plastic mulch prevents water evaporation. Furthermore condense water built under the impermeable plastic sheets drop back to soil; thus, plastic mulching in combination with the highly efficient drip irrigation substantially saves water for irrigation and it makes it as well suitable to areas faced by water shortage. Generally, black opaque plastic is used, which stops weed growth and in consequences also the attraction of harmful insects. Less weed mean also less competition for soil nutrients and therefore better growth of the crop. Another positive aspect of the weed control is the labor saving otherwise needed for weeding. In addition, plastic mulches play a role in preventing soil erosion and water saturation of the soil. At a nutshell, using plastic mulch combined with drip irrigation saves water for irrigation, reduces the number of harmful insects, and last but not least saves labor and time (FAO, 2017).
The eggplant cultivation in combination with plastic mulch and drip irrigation was introduced by the HARVEST project in 2014. This technology was employed on a farm which formerly grew rice on 1410 square meters of land. The farm comprised 1740 eggplants planted in 20 rows covered by plastic mulch. Eggplant is an annual vegetable plant that matures in well composted soil at temperatures above 20°C. The soil should be kept moist and at the same time water logging has to be avoided.
On the above mentioned farm the technology has been installed as follows: On the already prepared soil (the soil has been ploughed and dried at three separate times) the farmer created a ridge in each row that itself measures 1 meter in width and 20 centimeters in height. The distance between each row was 1 meter. The drip irrigation pipes run along the rows, which were watered after installation. Then, the rows were covered by the plastic mulch at 1.50 meters in width. Next, soil was placed on the plastic sides to hold and protect it against gusts of wind. In order to create a growing space for the eggplants the farmer cut out round windows of 8 cm in diameter along the plastic rows making sure that there is gap of 60 cm) between each window (matches with the holes of the drip irrigation). Finally, eggplant seedlings were planted in the holes. Bamboos sticks near each eggplant provided first support to the seedlings and later on, hold the plants when they are grown and bear fruit.
This technology is economically beneficial as can substantially increase his income. In the interviews the land users reported that without this technology, after deducting the investment and maintenance costs, they generated a net income of only 30%. However, after application of the technology their net income increased up to 70% (as long as the crop was not affected by disease). Furthermore it freed up the farmers’ time to fulfill other important tasks.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Chreaeng Village, Svay Luong Commune, Kandieng District, Pursat Province
- 📷 Mr. Kim Soben
- 📍 Chreaeng Village, Svay Luong Commune, Kandieng District, Pursat Province
- 📷 Mr. Kim soben
- 📍 Chreaeng Village, Svay Luong Commune, Kandieng District, Pursat Province
- 📷 Mr.Kim Soben