Effects of Different Irrigation Amount on the Growth of Cucumber in Plastic Greenhouses under Non-pressure Artefact Irrigation

In China, water-saving irrigation is a very important measure to alleviate the water resources shortage. This study investigated the changes of cucumber growth, nutrient element absorption, yield and quality under different irrigation water amount by using non-pressure artefact irrigation technology, and determined the optimal irrigation water volume under non-pressure artefact irrigation. The results showed that the plant dry weight and photosynthetic rate of cucumber under non-pressure artefact irrigation were increased compared with that under traditional irrigation. Non-pressure artefact irrigation promoted the accumulation of N, P and K, Vc content, soluble protein and soluble solid in cucumber plants, especially the irrigation amount of 246 m 3 667 m −2 . In addition, microporous membrane irrigation could improve cucumber yield and water use efficiency compared with traditional irrigation methods. In conclusion, the optimal irrigation amount of cucumber under non-pressure artefact irrigation was 246 m 3 667 m −2 .