This study examined the effect of water-saving irrigation technologies on potato crops, carried out at the Kazakh Research Institute of Potato and Vegetable Growing, Almaty, Kazakhstan. The maintenance of soil moisture at the field capacity of 70%–72% required 5–6 irrigations (500–670 m³/ha) under furrow irrigation, 21–25 irrigations of 93–97 m³/ha under drip irrigation, and 18–20 irrigations of 158–164 m³/ha under sprinkler irrigation. The results showed sprinkler irrigation reduced water use by 10%–15%, while drip irrigation saved 37%–40% compared with the traditional furrow irrigation. Both irrigation technologies promoted intensive plant growth, robust biomass formation, and higher yields. On average, during 2022–2024, potato yields increased by 4.9–5.1 t/ha with sprinkler and drip irrigation relative to furrow irrigation. The findings revealed water-efficient irrigation systems significantly enhanced productivity and resource efficiency in potato farming. Therefore, the sprinkler and drip irrigation technologies emerged as highly recommended for use in agricultural enterprises and smallholder farms engaged in potato production across Kazakhstan.
Potato, water-saving, sprinklers, drip irrigation, irrigated agriculture, soil moisture, furrow irrigation, crop biomass and yield
The study confirmed that water-saving irrigation technologies (sprinkler and drip systems) considerably reduced water use and improved potato growth, yield, and profitability compared with the traditional furrow irrigation. The results underscore the need for broader implementation and continuous optimization of modern irrigation systems across the diverse irrigated regions of Kazakhstan.