Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001
*Present addresses: Department of Soil Science and Water Management, H.P. Krishi Vishva Vidyalaya, Palampur, HP, 176062
**Present addresses: Department of Soil Science and Biometeorology, Utah State University, Logon 54322, Utah, USA
Effect of three irrigation frequencies on water use and yield of wheat was studied in two soils identical in textural and mineralogical characteristics but varying in exchangeable sodium in the sub-surface. The crop was irrigated with 5 cm water each time when the cumulative open pan evaporation amounted to 40, 60 and 80 mm. When the irrigation frequency was reduced, about 7 cm of profile water for crop production was contributed by the soil of lower vertical sodicity compared to 3.7 cm by the one of higher vertical sodicity. Wheat yields under different treatments were not affected by the substantial winter rains (157 mm). Soil water flux measured at 100 cm depth during the period of crop growth was practically negligible under all the irrigation treatments due to low values of hydraulic conductivity.
Sodic soil, soil water potential, hydraulic conductivity, soil water flux
