Significance of Protected Structures on Growth and Yield of Gherkins (Cucumis anguria L.) as Influenced by Magnetized Water in Semi-Arid Region

The experiment was aimed to assess the effects of magnetized water on growth, yield, water use efficiency, and cost economics of gherkins (Cucumis anguria L.) using drip irrigation, both under shade net and open field conditions. The field experiments were conducted at the Department of Soil and Water Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, during the period from 2020-21 and 2021-22. An electronic and magnetic water conditioner (EMC) device was installed on the mainline of the drip system to convert non magnetized water into magnetized water. In the study, an asymmetric factorial experiment design were laid out which includes sixteen treatments and with four irrigation levels (60 %, 80 %, 100 %, and 120 % crop ET). Gherkin cultivation in the shade net with magnetized water at 80 % ET (S1M1T2) showed the highest crop growth, yield (28.64 t ha-1), and quality parameters, with superior physiological loss in weight, benefit-cost ratio (1.88), and a lower payback period (0.54 years), followed by 100 % ET and lowest in 60 % ET. In case of open field conditions also, the highest crop growth, yield (18.91 t ha-1), and quality parameters were observed in magnetized water at 80 % ET (S2M1T2), with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.76 and a lower payback period of 0.57 years, followed by 100 % ET and lowest in 60 % ET. Application efficiency was higher in shade net with magnetized water at 60 % ET (93.75 %) and lowest in open field with non magnetized water at 120 % ET (90.94 %). The maximum water use efficiency was recorded in the shade net with magnetized water at 60 % ET (199.49 kg ha-1 mm-1) (S1M1T1) lowest in open field with non magnetized water at 120 % ET (28.59 kg ha-1 mm-1) (S2M2T4). Overall, the study recommends shade net cultivation with magnetized water at 80 % ET for gherkins, providing statistical evidence supporting its efficacy. Among the factors, shade net cultivation yielded the best results compared to open field, despite its higher initial investment. Magnetized water consistently outperformed non-magnetized water, and 80 % ET in drip irrigation showed optimal results, followed by 100 % ET, with the least favorable outcomes at 60 % ET. Based on different parameters tested, the shade net with magnetized water at 80 % ET could be recommended for growing of gherkin crop.