International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Unexpected droughts, short growing season and poorly distributed rainfall, low adoption of drip irrigation system and poor irrigation management are the major constraints to beetroots (Beta vulgaris) production in Huye District of Rwanda. Effective drip irrigation management offers an alternative option to reduce beetroots rainfall dependence, to assure an efficient use of irrigation water and to increase growth and yield of beetroots. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of drip irrigation management on growth and yield of beetroots in Huye District of Rwanda. The study was comprised of four treatments: two days irrigation frequency, four days irrigation frequency, six days irrigation frequency compared to the control treatment (rain fed). The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replicates. Number of leaves per plant, plant height, and leaf area were measured at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT). There was a significant increase in number of leaves per plant, plant leaf area and plant height from rain fed, six days irrigation frequency, two days irrigation frequency to four days irrigation frequency at 30, 45 and 60 DAT. Yield component (root length and root diameter) and yield significantly increased from rainfed, six days irrigation frequency, two days irrigation frequency, and were highest in the treatment of four days irrigation frequency. Beetroot yield increased (P<0,001) by 47.03%, 67.80% and 72.30% of the beetroot yield harvested from the rain fed (7.15T/ha), in the 6 DIF, 2 DIF, and 4 DIF, respectively. The results of this study indicate that 4DIF, 2 DIF and 6 DIF, in decreasing order of effectiveness, have potential to increase beetroot growth and yield. Therefore 4 DIF is recommended by the study for farmers in Huye district and other agro ecological regions similar to Huye district.

Pascal NGIRIRABANGA, Jonathan NIYOYITA, Dieudone UWIRINGIYIMANA, Gloriose IRAKARAMA,"Drip Irrigation Management Increases Growth and Yield of Beetroots in Huye District, Rwanda" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(1): Page(597-602) Jan-Feb 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.