Effect of Open Pan Evaporation Based Irrigation Scheduling on Growth and Yield of Wheat

A field experiment was conducted at wheat Research Unit, Dr. PDKV, Akola during rabi season of 2010–11 to study the effect of open pan evaporation based irrigation scheduling on growth and yield of wheat. The total water requirement and number of irrigations were found to be highest (600 mm & seven) under irrigation scheduling at IW/CPE=1.2 (I₄) followed by I₅ (546.4 mm), I₃ (525 mm) & I₂(450 mm) irrigation scheduling treatments. Highest Water use efficiency was recorded in treatment I₁(IW/CPE = 0.6), which may be due to lowest water use, followed by I₂, I₃, I_4. Soil moisture depletion patterns showed that favorable soil moisture was maintained in the treatment I₄& I₃throughout the growing period. The soil moisture was always maintained in allowable depletion regime. Soil moisture was inadequate in treatment I₁ as it was depleted below maximum allowable depletion level before each irrigation. Moisture availability index (MAI) was obtained more than unity for all the treatments expect I₁. MAI was found to be highest in I₄, which indicates the availability of sufficient moisture in the root zone throughout the season followed by I₅, I₃, I₂. Results indicated that the grain and straw yield were significantly higher 43.80 q/ha and 92.99 q/ha respectively in IW/CPE (I₄) irrigation scheduling treatment using which received seven irrigation. The value of growth and yield parameters were also significantly higher in I₄ over I₁, I₂, I₃ & I₅irrigation scheduling treatments.