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Abstract The root system of the potato (Solanum spp.) is often characterized as superficial and inefficient, with little capacity to extract water from the soil. Through a geographical study of the study area and root dynamics, the root behavior of the Victoria variety in Riobamba, Ecuador was evaluated, with the aim of assessing the applicability of “drip irrigation strategies with different levels of soil moisture” that allow the optimization of the water resource and the degree of tolerance of the crop to the lack of water through three treatments, 25%, 50% and 75%, between the levels of field capacity and permanent wilting point that are equivalent to 12.25% (T1), 10.5% (T2) and 8.75% (T3) of sandy loam soil moisture. Through front-wall rhizotrons the gravimetric method for recording soil moisture, and the Scheffé test, with a randomized block experimental design, were completed. The maximum root development was reached 110 days after the cultivation was established, with 77.5 cm (T3) at lower water availability. The maximum yield was reached at 132 days, with 34.72 t/ha (T1), followed by 32.11 t/ha (T2) with 126 days, and 28.45 t/ha (T3) with 121 days. Therefore, it is concluded that the maximum permissible humidity level for the variety is 10.5%, since lower levels would generate large losses. |
