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Modification of irrigation requirement of wheat through mulching and foliar application of transpiration suppressants

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Summary

Field experiments on wheat for 2 years showed a beneficial effect of organic mulch (rice straw), reflective transpiration suppressant (kaolin) or metabolic antitranspirant (alachlor) by decreasing the evapotranspiration (ET) losses of soil water, increasing grain yield and thus water use efficiency. Increase in grain yield was due to an increased tiller survival, longer spikes and more spikelet fertility. The number of shrivelled kernels per spike was reduced by ET control measures. A combination of mulching and transpiration suppression brought about a saving of 1 irrigation on a clay-loam soil and at least 2 irrigations on a loamy-sand soil. Without the ET control measures 4 irrigations were needed on a clay-loam soil and 6 on a loamy-sand soil for maximum productivity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 110 012, New Delhi, India

    Rajat De

  2. Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, 500 030, Hyderabad, India

    D. V. S. Bhujanga Rao, Y. Yogeswara Rao, L. G. Giri Rao & M. Ikramullah

Authors
  1. Rajat De
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  2. D. V. S. Bhujanga Rao
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  3. Y. Yogeswara Rao
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  4. L. G. Giri Rao
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  5. M. Ikramullah
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De, R., Bhujanga Rao, D.V.S., Yogeswara Rao, Y. et al. Modification of irrigation requirement of wheat through mulching and foliar application of transpiration suppressants. Irrig Sci 4, 215–223 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00285527

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00285527

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