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Water Saving Through Optimal Sequencing of Deficit Irrigation in Wheat

M. H. Ali
Agricultural Engineering Division Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P. O. Box-04. Mymensingh 2200, Bangladesh

M. R. Hoque
Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

A. A. Hassan
Agricultural Engineering Division Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P. O. Box-04. Mymensingh 2200, Bangladesh

M. A. Khair
Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

To meet the growing demand for food will require increased crop production using less water. Deficit irrigation provides a means of reducing water consumption while minimizing adverse effects on yield. This study was undertaken to determine optimal sequencing of water deficit at different growth stages of wheat under water limiting condition to maximize water savings, in a sub-tropical humid region. Irrigation treatments consisted of various single-stage deficit and two alternate deficit strategies along with full deficit and full irrigation (control). Results from one year field experiment revealed that single or alternate deficit (2 deficits) treatments did not affect yield significantly from the full irrigated control. The highest water productivity and production efficiency of irrigation water were obtained in alternate deficit treatment where deficits were imposed initially at jointing to shooting and finally from flowering to soft dough stages of growth period. Relative irrigation water savings and decrease in yield of such deficit irrigation practice suggest that it may be an acceptable deficit irrigation strategy for water savings.

Keywords: Water Saving, Deficit irrigation, Wheat

Location: The experimental farm of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Ishurdi, Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-11-2002

End Date: 31-03-2003

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Irrigation scheduling

Objectives:

To determine optimal sequencing of water deficit in wheat to maximize water saving, production efficiency of irrigation water, and farm income.

Methodology:

The test wheat cultivar was 'Shatabdi' (Triticum aestivum). It suits the prevailing climate of winter season (Nov. - March). The phenological cycle of wheat was divided into four stages which are considered to be the most relevant from the point of view of their response to irrigation: germination to crown-root initiation (CRI), jointing to shooting, booting to heading, and flowering to soft dough. Irrigation treatments were scheduled covering full deficit, no deficit at all, single deficit at different stages, and alternate deficits. Water deficit was created by withholding irrigation at different growth stages. Irrigation amount at a particular stage was equal to 80 % of the amount required to fill upto field capacity (F.C.) to the effective root zone depth (the depth within which 80 % of the roots are concentrated). The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block (RCB), with 4 (four) replications. The distance between two blocks was 1.6 m. Average in-line spacing between plants were maintained 5 cm (the planting frame being 0.20 m x 0.05 m) at 20 days after sowing. Plant population density was close to 100 x 104 plants per hectare. Granular fertilizer was broadcasted during final land preparation at the application rate of 37.5-20-25-10-5 Kg.ha^-I of N-P-K-S-Zn. A top-dress N fertilizer of 37.5 Kg N.ha-I was applied at 20 days after sowing. Soil moisture was measured by both gravemetric method and neutron moisture meter. Access tube was installed in one block. Measurements were taken at soil depths of 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 cm at sowing, at every growth stages and at physiological maturity. The crop was harvested manually on March 16,2003. Data on yield attributing characters were taken previously from 10 randomly selected plants. Seed yield was adjusted to 12 % moisture. Crop water use (ET) was calculated from applied irrigation water, rainfall and soil moisture depletion with the assumption of negligible drainage and upward flux beyond the measured depth. Yield attributing characters and yield data were statistically analyzed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) analysis of variance technique using MSTAT-C statistical package. Differences among treatment means were examined for statistical significance using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) criterion at p ≤ 0.05 probability.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Agri. Engg. 15 (1 & 2) 11-18: 2004

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Relative irrigation water savings and decrease in yield of such deficit irrigation practice suggest that it may be an acceptable deficit irrigation strategy for water savings.

Knowledge Management: Journal