The present work had as aim the technical and economical evaluation of the production of two crisped type lettuce cultivars as a function of irrigation depths, cultivated under protected environment in the region of Lavras, MG. The experiment was set up inside greenhouse with randomized block outline in 2 x 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of two lettuce cultivars, Verônica and Hortência, and four irrigation depths, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of water replacement, being the depth of 100% corresponding the tension of water in the soil of 15 kPa. The results enabled to conclude that the two cultivars of lettuce presented the same trend with regard to water consumption throughout production cycle (water use efficiency medium of 152.27 kg ha-1 mm-1); higher yields (total and commercial) were obtained with the application of the irrigation depth of 240 mm (121.2% of water replacement); the maximum commercial yield, 33,225 kg ha-1, was estimated from the application of the depth of 244.9 mm (123.7% of water replacement); the economical optimum depth was estimated in 244.2 mm, resulting a commercial yield practically equal to the physical maximum.
Lactuca sativa L.; protected environment; irrigation
