ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with a low cost automatic drip irrigation system for increasing water productivity and yield of fruit crops. The widely practiced conventional irrigation techniques are less efficient where substantial amount of water is wasted. Water application efficiency can be increased significantly by selecting and designing the most appropriate method of irrigation suited for a specific location and crop. Irrigation by drip is very economical and efficient. In the conventional drip irrigation system, it is needed to keep a watch on irrigation timetable, which is different for different crops. The chapter explores potential of a recently developed low-cost user friendly plant sensor for drip irrigation scheduling in Kinnow crop and its applicability in other deep rooted fruit crops for saving of irrigation water and increasing yield of crop. The study reveals that considerable amount of irrigation water can be saved by using low cost automated drip irrigation system based on plant leaf temperature sensor system.
