Association of Agrometeorologists

Estimation of seasonal evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drip irrigation and N-fertigation scheduling at Jalgaon, Maharashtra

S. H. MALVE, V. PRAVEEN RAO andANIL DHAKE

An attempt was made to determine the seasonal evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of wheat during various growth stages under drip irrigation and N-fertigation scheduling in Jalgaon, Maharashtra during 2012-13 and 2013-14. The results revealed that grain and straw yield of wheat increased significantly at each higher levels of drip irrigation up to 1.0 Epan and fertigation of 120 kg N ha-1 in both the years. The mean daily ETc of wheat during its initial stage was found to be lower and almost constant and it increased continuously during vegetative stage, flowering and grain filling stage (4.75 mm day -1) and decreased during the maturity stage. The measured seasonal ETc of wheat was ranged from 294.5 to 453.5 mm. The highest seasonal ETc and ETc was recorded in surface check basin irrigation at IW/ CPE 1 and lowest in deficit irrigation schedule i.e. drip irrigation at 0.6 Epan. Each higher level of nitrogen from N0 to N160 slightly increased the seasonal ETc of wheat. Estimated crop coefficient values (0.71, 1.31, 1.34 and 0.76 at initial, crop development, mid season and late season stage) at 1.0 Epan through drip were slightly higher over the FAO Kc values.

Crop coefficient, crop evapotranspiration, drip irrigation, wheat, yield