Effect of air conditioning irrigation on plant water balance and yield of rye and wheat

The results Of pot experiments conducted on sandy loam soil with autumn eye and summer wheat at Institute for Cereal Production of Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg (G.D.R.) have revealed that air conditioning irrigation (ACI) or water spraying oh foliage during warm (temp, above 20°C) sunny mid-day hours improved the plant water balance of rye and wheat. The effects of ACI on plant water status” were more marked and durable at lower soil moisture levels both during autumn and summer seasons. ACI was also beneficial in improving plant water supply at higher soil moisture levels but significantly during summer season only. Yield increased markedly due to increase in soil moisture content from 15 to 75% and 20 to 80% of total water holding capacity of soil in rye and wheat, respectively. ACI also increased the production of rye and wheat significantly irrespective of different soil moisture levels due to its beneficial effect on various yield components.