Moisture extraction pattern of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) as influenced by various levels of drip fertigation

A field study was conducted on sandy loam soil during summer seasons of 2003 and 2004 to investigate the effect of drip fertigation on moisture extraction pattern and yield of bhendi. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments which comprised three levels of drip irrigation (0, 0.50, and 1.00 Epan) with three fertigation levels (60, 90 and 120 kg Nha⁻¹), furrow irrigation with 120 kg Nha⁻¹, family drip system with 120 kg Nha⁻¹ and fertigation control (drip irrigation at Epan + 0 kg N ha⁻¹). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results of the study revealed that highest pod yield was recorded through drip fertigation with 120 kg Nha⁻¹ and irrigation at 1.00 Epan. Furrow irrigated crop recorded 54% and 57% lower yield than crop irrigated through drip at 1.00 Epan and fertigated with 120 kg Nha⁻¹ during 2003 and 2004 respectively. Drip fertigated crop has extracted higher moisture (40–48%) from top 0–15 cm soil depth than furrow irrigated crop (33–34%).