Vegetable Irrigation: Sweet Pepper and Tomato

Proper irrigation is critical for sweet pepper and tomato production. Optimal irrigation management leads to healthy plants, maximum yields, and high quality fruit. Under-irrigation results in a reduction of yield, blossom end rot, and other fruit quality issues. Over-irrigation increases disease susceptibility, nutrient leaching, and water loss. For ideal fruit set and development, a consistent moisture supply throughout all growth stages, but particularly at bloom and during fruit sizing, is necessary. Sweet peppers and tomatoes are sensitive to water stress while flowering as under-irrigation at this time leads to blossom end rot, a calcium deficiency exacerbated by a lack of water. Uneven watering during fruit sizing leads to cracking in tomato fruit. Water stress also creates conditions leading to more sunburn of fruits. Different irrigation methods are commonly used to irrigate a sweet pepper or tomato crop, each with different management considerations. Furrow irrigation is quite common but many growers are beginning to use drip irrigation to save water and improve plant growth and productivity. Regardless of the irrigation system used, there are some basic principles to understand that will help ensure proper irrigation. This fact sheet will discuss these basic principles.