Effects of alternative furrow irrigation on growth and water use efficiency of cucumber in solar greenhouse

At present, the irrigation amount during cucumber production in solar greenhouse is excessive, and its water use efficiency is low. Jinyu No.5 cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) was grown under normal irrigation(CK), alternate furrow irrigation (AI) and alternate furrow deficient irrigation(DAI) conditions, respectively, to study the effects of these irrigation methods on yield, quality, water-saving and water use efficiency(WUE) of cucumber in solar greenhouse. The results showed that AI and ADI decreased soil deep leakage, soil surface evaporation, transpiration rate (TR), regulated photo-assimilation distribution, improved yield and quality of fruits, and there was no obvious effect on photosynthetic rate. AI and ADI saved water by 37%-48%，increased water use efficiency(WUE) by 47%-82%. The irrigation technology has an important popularization value and a good future.