Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate how the time of day affects the water potential values of the purple elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) in areas with and without irrigation during the dry season and the relation with soil moisture, in order to establish a good performance of the crop. Method: Water potential was measured with the Scholander pressure chamber and humidity was measured with a Moisture Soil Kit. Four demonstration plots of 3 m × 3 m (three with irrigation and one without irrigation) were select and the determination was made at: 08:00, 13:00 and 17:00, for 10 weeks two days a week. Findings: The crop under irrigation maintained values of water potential between 0.02 to 0.05 MPa, and crop without irrigation between 0.02 and 0.25 MPa. Additionally, a higher yield was obtained for the irrigated crop of 22 t/ha/year in dry matter. The purple elephant grass maintains a good yield with humidity between 20% and 30% and water potential between 0.03 and 0.05 MPa. Novelty /Improvement: Obtaining the equation (Y = 0.493 * X- 0.775) that relates soil moisture and leaf water potential of purple elephant grass Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. (Poaceae), which can be used to find the water potential (Y) in a soil with a sandy clay loam texture.

Keywords: Availability of Water in the Plant, Pennisetum purpureum, Performance, Soil Moisture, Time, Water Potential