INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION SOURCE ON YIELD PERFORMANCE OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS): A CASE STUDY OF DURGAM CHERUVU LAKE AND BOREWELL WATER UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS

Rajender Gajjela, Karrolla Bixapathi and P. Kamalakar*

ABSTRACT

Urban water scarcity and rising pollution levels necessitate the evaluation of alternative irrigation sources such as lake water. This study investigates the effects of Durgam Cheruvu lake water and borewell water on the yield attributes of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) grown under controlled conditions. Key yield parameters including number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, yield per plant, and fruit diameter were assessed. Results indicated a marked reduction in yield traits in cucumber plants irrigated with lake water compared to those irrigated with borewell water. These findings underscore the importance of water quality in urban agriculture and suggest that untreated lake water may compromise cucumber productivity.

Keywords: Durgam Cheruvu, Cucumber, Urban Agriculture, Lake Water Irrigation, Yield Traits, Water Quality, Borewell Water.