Productive and economic analysis of red-pepper under different irrigation depths cultivated in greenhouse

The irrigation management is not only an important factor to supply plant's water needs, but also to minimize problems with diseases, nutrient leaching as well as unnecessary expenses with water and energy. This study had the aim to verify the economic feasibility of red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) yield under different irrigation depths, cultivated in greenhouse. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used, with five levels of replacement of irrigation water (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150%) with four replications. Significant differences were found for number of fruits per plant and total production of the plant. The maximum productivity obtained was equal to 35,300 kg ha(-1) for a water depth of 443.9 mm and the optimum economic irrigation water depth was 443.5 mm; higher economic returns are obtained by keeping the crop with a water content near field capacity, restoring the full amount of water consumed. The highest water use efficiency was 74.76 kg ha(-1) mm(-1) for a water depth of 334.1 mm.