Drip irrigation boosts tomato quality without sacrificing yield in greenhouses.
Drip irrigation in a greenhouse can improve the quality of tomatoes by increasing their nutritional value and antioxidant activity. Although it may reduce the size of individual tomatoes in the summer, overall yield remains similar to traditional furrow irrigation. In winter, drip irrigation leads to higher water productivity and nutritional yield without affecting tomato size or yield. This means that drip irrigation can help produce tomatoes with better quality while maintaining a good balance between yield and environmental impact. It is suggested that drip irrigation should be used in arid areas for tomato production to enhance nutrient production efficiency.