Comparative Study of Certain Rabi Crops Grown on Vertisol with Limited Irrigations

An investigation was carried out on eight different rabi crops, viz. wheat, gram, safflower, linseed, mustard, lentil. sunflower and fababean with suitable recommended agronomic practices except two irrigations only applied to the crops (i.e. 22 and 55 days after sowing). In terms of economics and profitability of cultivation, the wheat crop showed maximum returns followed by sunflower, gram and fababean. Soil water depletion from the profile was maximum from lentil followed by wheat, gram and sunflower. Water use efficiency in relation to grain yield was maximum for wheat as compared with other crops. Decrease in soil moisture potential generally resulted in decrease in leaf water potential. Relationship between soil water potential (0–30 cm soil layer) and leaf water potential was not significant at any level.