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Abstract
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This study investigated the use of an intelligent irrigation system for greenhouse cucumber cultivation, aiming to manage water consumption efficiently. During the initial phase, irrigation was tested at four levels: 80%, 90%, and 100% of field capacity (FC), and conventional flood irrigation (CFI). Data on environmental conditions and water usage were meticulously recorded. Optimal yields and crop quality (measured by size and firmness) were achieved at CFI and 100% FC, with CFI consuming the most water (0.07 m3/m2). Consequently, 100% FC was identified as the best practice, informing the smart system's calibration in the subsequent phase. This adjustment resulted in a 6% water consumption reduction and a 12% improvement in water use efficiency (WUE) over CFI. The study concludes that, considering long-term outcomes, the intelligent irrigation system is preferable to CFI, offering significant water savings and enhanced WUE without compromising crop quality.
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