The objective of this study was to show the possibilities for drought mitigation in vegetable plant growing on loose sandy soils in the region of Bydgoszcz with the use of drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation used under such the soil-climatic conditions was the basic vegetable yield-creating factor, securing stable yields of the vegetable crops tested in period 1991–1999 (carrot, red beet, snap bean, squash, zucchini). The results indicated the decisive role of water on the outcome of yield and quality of vegetables cultivated on a soil of limited water holding capacity. The experiments proved that vegetables production on sandy soils was only possible with the use of supplemental irrigation. Using the elaborated formulas it is possible to determine critical periods for individual vegetable species, optimal rainfall during these periods as well as expected increases of yields caused by drip irrigation covering rainfall deficits. According to the elaborated dependences, the approximated estimation of average needs of drip irrigation and average production effects of irrigation in particular rainfall regions is also possible.

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