Wheat yield response to line source sprinkler irrigation and soil management practices on medium-textured shallow soils of arid environment

A field experiment was conducted for 3 years to evaluate the effect of deficit irrigation under different soil management practices on biomass production, grain yield, yield components and water productivity of spring wheat (Triticum estivum L.). Soil management practices consisted of tillage (conventional and deep tillage) and Farmyard manure (0 and 10 t ha^?1 FYM). Line source sprinkler laterals were used to generate one full- (ETm) and four deficit irrigation treatments that were 88, 75, 62 and 46 % of ETm, and designated as ETd₁, ETd₂, ETd₃, and ETd₄. Deep tillage significantly enhanced grain yield (14–18 %) and water productivity (1.27–1.34 kg m^?3) over conventional tillage. Similarly, application of FYM at 10 t ha^?1 significantly improved grain yield (10–13 %) and water productivity (1.25–1.31 kg m^?3) in comparison with no FYM. Grain yield response to irrigation varied significantly (5,281–2,704 kg ha^?1) due to differences in soil water contents. Water productivity varied from 1.05 to 1.34 kg m^?3, among the treatments in 3 years. The interactive effect of irrigation × tillage practices and irrigation × FYM on grain yield was significant. Yield performance proved that deficit irrigation (ETd₂) subjected to 75 % soil water deficit had the smallest yield decline with significant water saving would be the most appropriate irrigation level for wheat production in arid regions.     

Agronomic response and water productivity of almond trees under contrasted deficit irrigation regimes

We investigated the long-term effects of different deficit irrigation (DI) options on tree growth, shoot and leaf attributes, yield determinants and water productivity of almond trees (Prunus dulcis, cv. Marta) grown in a semiarid climate in SE Spain. Three partial root-zone drying (PRD) irrigation treatments encompassing a wide range of water restriction (30%, 50% and 70% of full crop requirements, ET_c) and a regulated deficit irrigation treatment (RDI, at 50% ET_c during kernel-filling) were compared over three consecutive growth seasons (2004–2006) to full irrigation (FI). The results showed that all deficit irrigation treatments have a negative impact on trunk growth parameters. The magnitude of the reduction in trunk growth rate was strongly correlated through a linear relationship with the annual volume of water applied (WA) per tree. Similarly, a significant relationship was found between WA and the increase in crown volume. In contrast, leaf-related attributes and some yield-related parameters (e.g., kernel fraction) were not significantly affected by the irrigation treatments. Except in PRD₇₀, individual kernel weight was significantly reduced in the deficit irrigated treatments. Kernel yield, expressed in percent of the maximum yield observed in the FI treatment, showed a linear decrease with decreasing WA and a slope of 0.43, which implies that a 1% decrease in water application would lead to a reduction of 0.43% in yield. Water productivity increased drastically with the reduction of water application, reaching 123% in the case of PRD₃₀. Overall, our results demonstrate the prevalence of direct and strong links between the intensity of the water restriction under PRD – i.e., the total water supply during the growing season – and the main parameters related to tree growth, yield and water productivity. Noteworthy, the treatments that received similar annual water volumes under contrasted deficit irrigation strategies (i.e., PRD₇₀ and RDI) presented a similar tree performance.     

不同生育期水分亏缺对春青稞水分利用和产量的影响

对不同生育期水分亏缺程度对春青稞(Hordeum vulgare)水分利用效率和产量的影响进行了桶栽试验研究。试验处理设充分灌溉处理(2个水分控制下限和秸秆覆盖)以及在全生育期和5个不同生育期的4个水分亏缺程度(轻度、中度、重度和极度)处理,共27个处理。结果表明,在充分灌溉条件下,75%田间持水率水分下限控制处理的春青稞收获指数、籽粒产量和作物水分利用效率大于80%水分处理;秸秆覆盖处理的籽粒产量和水分利用效率在所有试验处理中最大。在全生育期水分亏缺条件下,春青稞籽粒产量均小于充分灌溉处理,且随着水分亏缺程度的增大而显著减小;轻度至重度水分亏缺处理可获得更大的作物收获指数和水分利用效率,但极度水分亏缺却导致最低的籽粒产量、收获指数和水分利用效率。除成熟期水分亏缺处理外,不同生育期水分亏缺处理条件下,春青稞籽粒产量和作物水分利用效率基本随着水分亏缺程度的增大而减小;拔节期、分蘖期和灌浆期水分亏缺对籽粒产量的不利影响较大。地表秸秆覆盖或全生育期轻度至重度水分亏缺处理可提高春青稞水分利用效率。     

Yield performance of spring wheat improved by regulated deficit irrigation in an arid area

A field experiment was conducted in 2003 and 2004 growing seasons to evaluate the effects of regulated deficit irrigation on yield performance in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) in an arid area. Three regulated deficit irrigation treatments designed to subject the crops to various degrees of soil water deficit at different stages of crop development and a no-soil-water-deficit control was established. Soil moisture was measured gravimetrically in the increment of 0–20 cm every five to seven days in the given growth periods, while that in 20 increments to 40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm depth measured by neutron probe. Compared to the no-soil-water-deficit treatment, grain yield, biomass, harvest index, water use efficiency (WUE), and water supply use efficiency (WsUE) in spring wheat were all greatly improved by 16.6–25.0, 12.4–19.2, 23.5–27.3, 32.7–39.9, and 44.6–58.8% under regulated deficit irrigation, and better yield components such as thousand-grain weight, grain weight per spike, number of grain, length of spike, and fertile spikelet number were also obtained, but irrigation water was substantially decreased by 14.0–22.9%. The patterns of soil moisture were similar in the regulated deficit treatments, and the soil moisture contents were greatly decreased by regulated deficit irrigation during wheat growing seasons. Significant differences were found between the no-soil-water-deficit treatment and the regulated soil water deficit treatments in grain yield, yield components, biomass, harvest index, WUE, and WsUE, but no significant differences occurred within the regulated soil water deficit treatments. Yield performance proved that regulated deficit irrigation treatment subjected to medium soil water deficit both during the middle vegetative stage (jointing) and the late reproductive stages (filling and maturity or filling) while subjected to no-soil-water-deficit both during the late vegetative stage (booting) and the early reproductive stage (heading) (MNNM) had the highest yield increase of 25.0 and 14.0% of significant water-saving, therefore, the optimum controlled soil water deficit levels in this study should range 50–60% of field water capacity (FWC) at the middle vegetative growth period (jointing), and 65–70% of FWC at both of the late vegetative period (booting) and early reproductive period (heading) followed by 50–60% of FWC at the late reproductive periods (the end of filling or filling and maturity) in treatment MNNM, with the corresponding optimum total irrigation water of 338 mm. In addition, the relationships among grain yield, biomass, and harvest index, the relationship between grain yield and WUE, WsUE, and the relationship between harvest index and WUE, WsUE under regulated deficit irrigation were also estimated through linear or non-linear regression models, which indicate that the highest grain yield was associated with the maximum biomass, harvest index, and water supply use efficiency, but not with the highest water use efficiency, which was reached by appropriate controlling soil moisture content and water consumption. The relations also indicate that the harvest index was associated with the maximum biomass and water supply use efficiency, but not with the highest water use efficiency.     

Water conservation practices for a river valley irrigated with groundwater

Water conservation strategies for center pivot and furrow irrigation in the Central Platte Valley of Nebraska were evaluated using computer simulation. Irrigation requirements, grain yield, return flow and net depletion (gross irrigation minus return flow) of groundwater were simulated for a period of 29 years for Hord and Wood River silt loam soils. Grain yields were simulated for a typical corn variety for non-limiting water supplies (maximum attainable yield), for two levels of deficit irrigation (irrigation limited to certain growing periods), and for dryland conditions. Additional simulations were performed for a short-season corn, grain sorghum, and soybeans. The impacts of tillage practices on water conservation were also investigated.Center pivot irrigation on the Hord silt loam required 75–125 mm/year less water application than furrow irrigation. For the Wood River silt loam, water applications were the same for both irrigation systems. Applied water depths were reduced by an additional 75–125 mm using deficit irrigation with only a small reduction in yield. Return flow to the groundwater was small for well-managed pivots but high for some furrow irrigation systems based on the assumption that all deep percolation returns to the aquifer in the Central Platte Valley. Net depletion (gross irrigation minus return flow) of the groundwater for a center pivot with LEPA was 50 mm (17%) less than a center pivot with impact sprinklers. Ridge till had a net depletion 50 mm (25%) less than conventional tillage (double disk, plant) for furrow systems.     

An improved water use efficiency of cereals under temporal and spatial deficit irrigation in north China

Water shortage is the major bottleneck that limits sustainable development of agriculture in north China. Crop physiological water-saving irrigation methods such as temporal (regulated deficit irrigation) and spatial (partial root zone irrigation) deficit irrigation have been tested with much improved crop water use efficiency (WUE) without significant yield reduction. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of (1) spatial deficit irrigation on spring maize in arid Inland River Basin of northwest China during 1997–2000; (2) temporal deficit irrigation on winter wheat in semi-arid Haihe River Basin during 2003–2007 and (3) temporal deficit irrigation on winter wheat and summer maize in Yellow River Basin during 2006–2007. Results showed that alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) maintained similar photosynthetic rate (P_n) but reduced transpiration rate (T_r), and thus increased leaf WUE of maize. It also showed that the improved WUE might only be gained for AFI under less water amount per irrigation. The feasible irrigation cycle is 7d in the extremely arid condition in Inner River Basin of northwest China and less water amount with more irrigation frequency is better for both grain yield and WUE in semi-arid Haihe River Basin of north China. Field experiment in Yellow River Basin of north China also suggests that mild water deficit at early seedling stage is beneficial for grain yield and WUE of summer maize, and the deficit timing and severity should be modulated according to the drought tolerance of different crop varieties. The economical evapotranspiration for winter wheat in Haihe River Basin, summer maize in Yellow River Basin of north China and spring maize in Inland River Basin of northwest China are 420.0 mm, 432.5 mm and 450.0 mm respectively. Our study in the three regions in recent decade also showed that AFI should be a useful water-saving irrigation method for wide-spaced cereals in arid region, but mild water deficit in earlier stage might be a practical irrigation strategy for close-planting cereals. Application of such temporal and spatial deficit irrigation in field-grown crops has greater potential in saving water, maintaining economic yield and improving WUE.     

水分调控对苹果-大豆间作生理特性及水分利用的影响

为探求适于晋西黄土区果农间作系统的水分调控措施,通过2a试验并结合覆盖与调亏灌溉措施,分析了水分调控措施对苹果和大豆叶片生理特性、水分利用和产量等指标的影响.试验设置灌水上限三水平为田间持水量的55％(W1),70％(W2)和85％(W3),两种覆盖:秸秆覆盖(M1)和地膜覆盖(M2),另设清耕(CK0)、秸秆覆盖不灌...     

Evaluation of crop water stress index for LEPA irrigated corn

This study was designed to evaluate the crop water stress index (CWSI) for low-energy precision application (LEPA) irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) grown on slowly-permeable Pullman clay loam soil (fine, mixed, Torrertic Paleustoll) during the 1992 growing season at Bushland, Tex. The effects of six different irrigation levels (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, 20%, and 0% replenishment of soil water depleted from the 1.5-m soil profile depth) on corn yields and the resulting CWSI were investigated. Irrigations were applied in 25 mm increments to maintain the soil water in the 100% treatment within 60–80% of the “plant extractable soil water” using LEPA technology, which wets alternate furrows only. The 1992 growing season was slightly wetter than normal. Thus, irrigation water use was less than normal, but the corn dry matter and grain yield were still significantly increased by irrigation. The yield, water use, and water use efficiency of fully irrigated corn were 1.246 kg/m², 786 mm, and 1.34 kg/m³, respectively. CWSI was calculated from measurements of infrared canopy temperatures, ambient air temperatures, and vapor pressure deficit values for the six irrigation levels. A “non-water-stressed baseline” equation for corn was developed using the diurnal infrared canopy temperature measurements as T _c–T _a = 1.06–2.56 VPD, where T _c was the canopy temperature (°C), Ta was the air temperature (°C) and VPD was the vapor pressure deficit (kPa). Trends in CWSI values were consistent with the soil water contents induced by the deficit irrigations. Both the dry matter and grain yields decreased with increased soil water deficit. Minimal yield reductions were observed at a threshold CWSI value of 0.33 or less for corn. The CWSI was useful for evaluating crop water stress in corn and should be a valuable tool to assist irrigation decision making together with soil water measurements and/or evapotranspiration models. Received: 19 May 1998     

Effect of irrigation application depth on cereal production in the semi-arid climate of southern Alberta

Different water application depths and irrigation intervals were compared for two cereal crops in southern Alberta. Four irrigation treatments and three fertilizer N treatments were applied to soft white wheat in 1987 and 1988 and barley in 1989 and 1990 on a Lethbridge loam. The treatments were light, frequent irrigation for the whole growing season (F), conventional irrigation for the whole growing season (C), light, frequent irrigation until heading, followed by conventional irrigation (FC), and conventional irrigation until heading, followed by light, frequent irrigation (CF). Fertilizer N as ammonium nitrate was broadcast in the spring at 0, 60 and 120 kg N ha^-1. Light frequent irrigations for the entire growing season increased wheat straw yield compared to the conventional irrigation treatment (5211kg ha^-1 vs 4152 kg ha^-1, respectively). Straw yield with F irrigation for part of the growing season was intermediate between the other two irrigation treatments. Irrigation treatment did not affect soft white wheat grain yield. Barley straw yield was not affected by irrigation treatment but barley grain yield was greater for the C irrigation treatment than the F and FC treatments (4924 kg ha^-1 vs 4177 kg ha^-1, respectively). Lodging was evident in the barley crops, particularly with F irrigation in the first half of the growing season. Grain/straw ratios were greater for the C than the other irrigation treatments. Higher water use in the F than the C treatment in the higher water stress years (1988 and 1989) was balanced with greater vegetative growth. In the lower water stress growing seasons (1987 and 1990), higher water use in the C than the F treatment was attributed to deep percolation. Water use efficiency (WUE) was generally not affected by irrigation treatment except for barley in 1989, when lower WUE values in the F than the C treatment were associated with severe lodging.     

Different drip irrigation regimes affect cotton yield, water use efficiency and fiber quality in western Turkey

Decreasing in water availability for cotton production has forced researchers to focus on increasing water use efficiency by improving either new drought-tolerant cotton varieties or water management. A field trial was conducted to observe the effects of different drip irrigation regimes on water use efficiencies (WUE) and fiber quality parameters produced from N-84 cotton variety in the Aegean region of Turkey during 2004 and 2005. Treatments were designated as full irrigation (T₁₀₀, which received 100% of the soil water depletion) and those that received 75, 50 and 25% of the amount received by treatment T₁₀₀ on the same day (treatments T₇₅; T₅₀ and T₂₅, respectively). The average seasonal water use values ranged from 265 to 753 mm and the average seed cotton yield varied from 2550 to 5760 kg ha⁻¹. Largest average cotton yield was obtained from the full irrigation treatment (T₁₀₀). WUE ranged from 0.77 kg m⁻³ in the T₁₀₀ to 0.98 kg m⁻³ in the T₂₅ in 2004 growing season and ranged from 0.76 kg m⁻³ in the T₁₀₀ to 0.94 kg m⁻³ in the T₂₅ in 2005 growing season. The largest irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was observed in the T₂₅ (1.46 kg m⁻³), and the smallest IWUE was in the T₁₀₀ treatment (0.81 kg m⁻³) in the experimental years. A yield response factor (k_y) value of 0.78 was determined based on averages of two years. Leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter yields (DM) increased with increasing water use for treatments. Fiber qualities were influenced by drip irrigation levels in both years. The results revealed that well-irrigated treatments (T₁₀₀) could be used for the semi-arid climatic conditions under no water shortage. Moreover, the results also demonstrated that irrigation of cotton with drip irrigation method at 75% level (T₇₅) had significant benefits in terms of saved irrigation water and large WUE indicating a definitive advantage of deficit irrigation under limited water supply conditions. In an economic viewpoint, 25.0% saving in irrigation water (T₇₅) resulted in 34.0% reduction in the net income. However, the net income of the T₁₀₀ treatment is found to be reasonable in areas with no water shortage.     

Examining traditional irrigation methods,irrigation scheduling and alternate furrows irrigation on vertisols in northern Ethiopia

In northern Ethiopia, where traditional (farmers) irrigation management on Vertisols is widely practiced, sustainable food security has always been a challenge. The reasons for this are multi-dimensional, but of utmost importance is, low-tech irrigation water management. The main objective of the present study is, therefore, to examine technologies of irrigation water management that might enable farmers to increase water productivity (WP) on vertisols.A comparative study has been undertaken between the traditional irrigation management (every furrow-traditional scheduling) and alternative water management options on maize plots in northern Ethiopia. The options include alternate furrows-scientific scheduling and every furrow-scientific scheduling. A field experiment was undertaken over two irrigation seasons (1998/1999 and 1999/2000). Results were compared on the basis of yield, WP and economic productivity concepts.Yield-based comparison has shown that every furrow-scientific scheduling generates the highest yield levels followed by alternate furrows-scientific scheduling. The yield increase (by every furrow-scientific scheduling) over the traditional management was found to be 54%.WP-based comparison has shown that alternate furrows-scientific scheduling generates the highest WP values followed by every furrow-scientific scheduling. The increase (by alternate furrow irrigation, scientific scheduling) over the traditional irrigation management was 58%.Economic productivity-based comparison has shown that the highest economic return was obtained from every furrow-scientific scheduling followed by alternate furrows-scientific scheduling. The increase in income (by every furrow-scientific scheduling) over the traditional irrigation management was 54%.The overall observation is that depending on the availability of water and labour resources, one can decide to use either of the alternate management options to obtain economically reasonable yield. In northern Ethiopia, where water is limiting (and not labour), every furrow-scientific scheduling can be an option.     

Deficit irrigation and nitrogen effects on seed cotton yield, water productivity and yield response factor in shallow soils of semi-arid environment

A field experiment was conducted for 2 years to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation, nitrogen and plant growth minerals on seed cotton yield, water productivity and yield response factor. The treatment comprises six levels of deficit irrigation (Etc 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6 and 0.5) and four levels of nitrogen (80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha⁻¹). These were treatments superimposed with and without plant growth mineral spray. Furrow irrigation treatments were also kept. Cotton variety Ankur-651 Bt was grown during 2006 and 2007 cotton season. Drip irrigation at 1.0 Etc saved 26.9% water and produced 43.1% higher seed cotton yield over conventional furrow irrigation (1.0 Etc). Imposing irrigation deficit of 0.8 Etc caused significant reduction in seed cotton yield to the tune of 9.3% of the maximum yield. Further increase in deficit irrigation from 0.7 Etc to 0.5 Etc significantly decreased seed cotton yield over its subsequent higher irrigation level. Decline in the yield under deficit irrigation was associated with reduction in number of bolls plant⁻¹ and boll weight. Nitrogen at 200 kg ha⁻¹ significantly increased mean seed cotton yield by 36.3% over 80 kg N ha⁻¹. Seed cotton yield tended to increase linearly up to 200 kg N ha⁻¹ with drip Etc 0.8 to drip Etc 1.0. With drip Etc 0.6-0.5, N up to 160 kg ha⁻¹ provided the highest yield, thereafter it had declined. Foliar spray of plant growth mineral (PGM) brought about significant improvement in seed cotton yield by 14.1% over control. The water productivity ranged from 0.331 to 0.491 kg m⁻³ at different irrigation and N levels. On pooled basis, crop yield response factor of 0.87 was calculated at 20% irrigation deficit.     

Yield response of a semi-dwarf wheat variety to irrigation on a calcareous brown flood plain soil of Bangladesh

Field studies were conducted to determine the yield performance of a semi-dwarf high yielding variety of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. ‘Sonalika’) in response to irrigation provided at various critical stages of growth. Determination of an irrigation schedule for most efficient water management was attempted. The study, conducted on a calcareous brown flood plain soil, comprised a randomized block design experiment with eight irrigation treatments applied at critical growth stages.The yield of wheat was the highest and the irrigation efficiency maximum, when two irrigations, totalling 9.5 cm, were given at tillering and booting stages. The quantity of irrigation water applied was calculated on the basis of deficit from field capacity level of soil water content. The lowest grain yields were obtained in treatments receiving either no irrigation or only one irrigation at the grain-filling stage. The percent increase over control (no irrigation) in grain yield, due to various irrigation treatments, ranged from 21 to 92%. The data revealed that the depletion of soil water increased as the amount of irrigation water increased.The results indicate that the present yield levels of wheat in Bangladesh can easily be increased by 50–100% by irrigating with only one-third to one-half of the water currently being used, provided it is scheduled and managed efficiently, keeping in view the need of the crops as well as the soils.     

Effect of different drip irrigation regimes on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield, quality and water use efficiency in Middle Anatolian, Turkey

Agricultural production has forced researchers to focus on increasing water use efficiency by improving either new drought-tolerant plant varieties or water management for arid and semi-arid areas under water shortage conditions. A field study was conducted to determine effects of seasonal deficit irrigation on plant root yield, quality and water use efficiency (WUE) of sugar beet for a 2-year period in the semi-arid region. Irrigations were applied when approximately 50–55% of the usable soil moisture was consumed in the effective rooting depth at the full irrigation (FI) treatment. In deficit irrigation treatments, irrigations were applied at the rates of 75, 50 and 25% of full irrigation treatment on the same day. Irrigation water was applied by a drip irrigation system. Increasing water deficits resulted in a relatively lower root and white sugar yields. The linear relationship between evapotranspiration and root yield was obtained. Similarly, WUE was the highest in DI25 irrigation conditions and the lowest in full irrigation conditions. According to the averaged values of 2 years, yield response factor (k _y ) was 0.93 for sugar beet. Sugar beet root quality parameters were influenced by drip irrigation levels in both years. The results revealed that irrigation of sugar beet with drip irrigation method at 75% level (DI25) had significant benefits in terms of saved irrigation water and large WUE, indicating a definitive advantage of deficit irrigation under limited water supply conditions. In an economic viewpoint, 25% saving of irrigation water (DI25) caused 6.1% reduction in the net income.     

Integrated management of irrigation water and fertilizers for wheat crop using field experiments and simulation modeling

The reported study aimed at developing an integrated management strategy for irrigation water and fertilizers in case of wheat crop in a sub-tropical sub-humid region. Field experiments were conducted on wheat crop (cultivar Sonalika) during the years 2002–2003, 2003–2004 and 2004–2005. Each experiment included four fertilizer treatments and three irrigation treatments during the wheat growth period. During the experiment, the irrigation treatments considered were I₁ = 10% maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of available soil water (ASW); I₂ = 40% MAD of ASW; I₃ = 60% MAD of ASW. The fertilizer treatments considered in the experiments were F₁ = control treatment with N:P₂O₅:K₂O as 0:0:0 kg ha⁻¹, F₂ = fertilizer application of N:P₂O₅:K₂O as 80:40:40 kg ha⁻¹; F₃ = fertilizer application of N:P₂O₅:K₂O as 120:60:60 kg ha⁻¹ and F₄ = fertilizer application of N:P₂O₅:K₂O as 160:80:80 kg ha⁻¹. In this study CERES-wheat crop growth model of the DSSAT v4.0 was used to simulate the growth, development and yield of wheat crop using soil, daily weather and management inputs, to aid farmers and decision makers in developing strategies for effective management of inputs. The results of the investigation revealed that magnitudes of grain yield, straw yield and maximum LAI of wheat crop were higher in low volume high frequency irrigation (I₁) than the high volume low frequency irrigation (I₃). The grain yield, straw yield and maximum LAI increased with increase in fertilization rate for the wheat crop. The results also revealed that increase in level of fertilization increased water use efficiency (WUE) considerably. However, WUE of the I₂ irrigation schedule was comparatively higher than the I₁ and I₃ irrigation schedules due to higher grain yield per unit use of water. Therefore, irrigation schedule with 40% maximum allowable depletion of available soil water (I₂) could safely be maintained during the non-critical stages to save water without sacrificing the crop yield. Increase in level of fertilization increases the WUE but it will cause environmental problem beyond certain limit. The calibrated CERES-wheat model could predict the grain yield, straw yield and maximum LAI of wheat crop with considerable accuracy and therefore can be recommended for decision-making in similar regions.     

Macromanagement of deficit-irrigated peanut with sprinkler irrigation

Precision irrigation management and scheduling, as well as developing site- and cultivar-specific crop coefficient (K_c), and yield response factor to water deficit (ky) are very important parameters for efficient use of limited water resources. This study investigated the effect of deficit irrigation, applied at different growth stages of peanut with sprinkler irrigation in sandy soil, on field peanut evapotranspiration (ETc), yield and yield components, and water use efficiencies (IWUE and WUE). Also, yield response factor to water deficit (ky), and site- and cultivar-specific K_c were developed. Four treatments were imposed to deficit irrigation during late vegetative and early flowering, late flowering and early pegging, pegging, and pod formation growth stages of peanut, and compared with full irrigation in the course of the season (control). A soil water balance equation was used to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The results revealed that maximum seasonal ETc was 488 mm recorded with full irrigation treatment. The maximum value of K_c (0.96) occurred at the fifth week after sowing, this value was less than the generic values listed in FAO-33 and -56 (1.03 and 1.15), respectively. Dry kernels yield among treatments differed by 41.4%. Deficit irrigation significantly affected yields, where kernels yield decreased by 28, 39, 36, and 41% in deficit-irrigated late vegetative and early flowering, late flowering and early pegging, pegging, and pod formation growth stages, respectively, compared with full irrigation treatment. Peanut yields increased linearly with seasonal ETc (R² = 0.94) and ETc/ETp (R² = 0.92) (ETp = ETc with no water stress). The yield response factor (ky), which indicates the relative reduction in yield to relative reduction in ETc, averaged 2.9, was higher than the 0.7 value reported by Doorenbos and Kassam [Doorenbos, J., Kassam, A.H., 1979. Yield response to water. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33, Rome, Italy, 193 pp.], the high ky value reflects the great sensitivity of peanut (cv. Giza 5) to water deficit. WUE values varied considerably with deficit irrigation treatments, averaging 6.1 and 4.5 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ (dry-mass basis) for pods and kernels, respectively. Differences in WUE between the driest and wettest treatment were 31.3 and 31.3% for pods and kernels, respectively. Deficit irrigation treatments, however, impacted IWUE much more than WUE. Differences in IWUE between the driest and wettest treatment were 33.9 and 33.9% for pods and kernels, respectively. The results revealed that better management of available soil water in the root zone in the course of the season, as well as daily and seasonal accurate estimation of ETc can be an effective way for best irrigation scheduling and water allocation, maximizing yield, and optimizing economic return.     

Plant based indicators for irrigation scheduling in young cherry trees

Using a correlation between trunk diameter fluctuation (TDF) and stem water potential (SWP) it appears possible to determine water deficit threshold values (WDTV) for young cherry trees. This correlation must be based on a significant effect between SWP and at least one variable associated with the vegetative or reproductive growth of the trees. The objectives of this study are: (1) to determine the effect of several irrigation treatments on vegetative and reproductive growth and the SWP of young cherry trees; (2) to determine the correlation between TDF and SWP, and; (3) to propose a first approximation of SWP and TDF water deficit threshold values for young cherry tree plants. The experiment was carried out between September and April of the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons, in Quillota, in the Valparaiso region, central Chile. The irrigation treatments consisted of applications of 50% (T₅₀), 100% (T₁₀₀) and 150% (T₁₅₀) of potential evapotranspiration (ET₀) over the two growing seasons, using a randomized complete block design (RCB). The effect of irrigation scheduling was observed on: apical shoot growth rate (GR_AS), branch cross-sectional area (BCSA), canopy volume (CV), annual length of accumulated growth (AL_AG) and productivity. This effect showed that the T₅₀ treatment caused lower SWP (measured pre-dawn), vegetative growth and productivity. The fruit quality variables (cracking and size) were not affected by the different treatments. Combining the vegetative growth, productivity and SWP results shows that the water deficit threshold value, as a first approximation, is between 50% and 100% of ET₀, and therefore the critical SWP for defining irrigation frequency should be close to −0.5 MPa. Upon applying a post-harvest drought period (14 days without irrigation), a linear correlation was determined both between SWP and maximum daily trunk shrinkage, MDS (R² = 0.69) and between SWP and trunk growth rate, TGR (R² = 0.57). Using these correlations and the SWP reference value, reference values were obtained for MDS (165 μm) and TGR (83 μm day⁻¹), which would permit automated control of water status in young cherry trees.     

Yield and water relations of wheat as influenced by irrigation and depth of tillage

Summary Development of a ploughpan has been reported in Bangladesh for almost all ploughed soils which are puddled for transplanted rice cultivation. Field information on the water requirement of dryland crops such as wheat and the effects of loosening the dense layer on crop yield and water use efficiency are very limited. Field experiments were, therefore, conducted in the grey floodplain soil of Sonatala series (Aeric Haplaquept) to study the irrigation and tillage effects on the yield and water relations of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Sonalika). The split plot design experiment comprised four irrigation treatments in the mainplots viz. W₀ = no irrigation, W₁ = irrigation of 5 cm at 4 weeks after planting, W₂-W₁ + irrigation(s) of 5 cm each at irrigation water to cummulative pan evaporation (IW/CPE) ratio of 0.75 and W₃- W₁ + irrigation(s) of 5 cm eacht at IW/CPE ratio of 0.50. The sub-plot tillage depth treatments were: A-7.5 cm (traditional), B-15 cm, C-22.5 cm, D-22.5 cm practised in alternate wheat seasons. Measurements were made of grain and straw yield, soil water depletion and water expense efficiency.Irrigation had no effect on grain or straw yield. Tillage to 15 cm increased wheat yield by about 15% over traditional depth to ploughing. In general, deep tillage coupled with one irrigation at four weeks after planting produced the largest wheat yield.Soil water depletion (SWD) in the 0–90 cm profile was greatest in the treatment receiving two irrigations, one at 4 weeks and again at IW/CPE ratio of 0.50. The average SWD in this treatment was 113 in 1982–83 and 82 mm in 1983–84. Plots receiving traditional tillage (7.5 cm) had the greatest SWD. Total water expense were the greatest in treatments receiving three irrigations. The maximum water expense efficiency (WEE) of wheat was observed in the non-irrigated plots in 1982–83 and 1983–84, respectively. Deep tillage treatments, in general, had significantly greater WEE than those under traditional ploughing. Intensive irrigation and efficient soil and water management are important factors in enhancing crop productivity. The former not only permits judicious water use but also better utilization of other production factors thereby leading to increased crop yield which, in turn, helps stabilize the farming economy. The best way to meet increasing demand for water is to adopt efficient water management practices to increase water use efficiency.Irrigation should aim at restoring the soil water in the root zone to a level at which the crop can fully meet its evapo-transpiration (ET) requirement. The amount of water to be applied at each irrigation and how often a soil should be irrigated depend, however, on several factors such as the degree of soil water deficit before irrigation, soil types, crops, and climatic conditions (Chaudhury and Gupta 1980).Knowledge of movement of water through the soil is imperative to efficient water management and utilization. The presence of a dense pan impedes water movement into the sub-soil. As a result, the top soil becomes saturated by irrigation and sensitive dryland crops can fail as this plough layer impedes the penetration of roots into deeper soil layers and decreases water extraction. Crops growing in these soils often undergo severe water stress within 5–8 days after rainfall or irrigation (Lowry et al. 1970). Due to decrease rates of water flow, the lower soil layer may remain unsaturated and as a result, the recharge and soil water storage in the profile are considerably decreased (Sur et al. 1981).In Bangladesh, ploughpans develop to varying degree in almost all ploughed soils (Brammer 1980). They are particularly marked in soils which are puddled for transplanted rice cultivation where the pan is usually only 8–10 cm below the soil surface and 3–5 cm thick. Its presence is generally regarded as advantageous for cultivation of transplanted rice in that it prevents excessive deep percolation losses of water. But in the same soil this cultivation for a subsequent dryland crop would adversely affect yield. A slight modification of the plough layer could enable good yields of both rice and a dryland crop to be obtained in the same soil in different seasons (Brammer 1980). The sub soils have a good bearing capacity, both when wet and dry and the pan can easily be reformed, if desired, for cultivating transplanted rice after a dryland crop like wheat.Professor of Soil Science, Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh     

The effects of applied water at various fractions of measured evapotranspiration on reproductive growth and water productivity of Thompson Seedless grapevines

The reproductive growth and water productivity (WP_b) of Thompson Seedless grapevines were measured as a function of applied water amounts at various fractions of measured grapevine ET_c for a total of eight irrigation treatments. Shoots were harvested numerous times during the growing season to calculate water productivity. Berry weight was maximized at the 0.6–0.8 applied water treatments across years. As applied water amounts increased soluble solids decreased. Berry weight measured at veraison and harvest was a linear function of the mean midday leaf water potential measured between anthesis and veraison and anthesis and harvest, respectively. As applied water amounts increased up to the 0.6–0.8 irrigation treatments there was a significant linear increase in yield. Yields at greater applied water amounts either leveled off or decreased. The reduction in yield on either side of the yearly maximum was due to fewer numbers of clusters per vine. Maximum yield occurred at an ET_c ranging from 550 to 700 mm. Yield per unit applied water and WP_b increased as applied water decreased. The results from this study demonstrated that Thompson Seedless grapevines can be deficit irrigated, increasing water use efficiency while maximizing yields.     

干旱环境下春小麦最优调亏灌溉制度确定

以河西绿洲灌区春小麦调亏灌溉2年的平均产量、水分利用效率、供水效率和2年后的土壤养分综合指标4个单项参评因子为参数建立单因子评判矩阵,对干旱环境下春小麦调亏灌溉制度进行了综合评价。结果表明,调亏灌溉处理的综合评价指标以HFF处理最高,其次为MFM处理,而以LLL处理最低,但所有调亏灌溉处理综合评价指标均显著高于高水分处理FFF。因此,无论是从作物生产力、水资源利用效率还是水资源和土壤养分的可持续利用方面来说,HFF处理调亏灌溉模式均因其最高的作物生产力和水分利用效率、较高的供水效率(为最大值的96.3%)及较高的土壤养分综合指标(为最大值的97.7%)而具有最高的综合评价指标,成为试区推荐的春小麦全生育期最优调亏灌溉模式,即春小麦孕穗和抽穗期及灌浆—生理成熟期均高水分处理(65%~70%田持)而拔节期重度水分调亏(45%~50%田持),其灌溉定额为440 mm左右(包括晚秋季储水灌100 mm)。