EGGPLANT CULTIVATION IN SALINIZED SOIL UNDER DRIP AND PULSE IRRIGATION USING BRACKISH WATER

Soil salinization after cultivation of crops irrigated with saline water is commonly observed and may limit the development of subsequent crops. The objective of this study was to monitor the salinity in the soil and to evaluate the growth, production, water consumption and water use efficiency of the subsequent eggplant crop using drip irrigation and pulse irrigation with brackish water. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment, following an experimental design with randomized blocks and different treatments using drip and pulse irrigation with brackish water. Soil salinity increased with cultivation time, especially in pulse irrigation treatments and in the combination of drip and pulse when the crop was irrigated with the highest salinity level. In addition, these treatments were the ones that most impaired the growth and production variables with the increase in water salinity. Irrigation with brackish water, regardless of irrigation management in saline soils, is not recommended for the subsequent cultivation of Florida Market eggplant, as it reduces growth and production and intensifies soil salinization