The present study was conducted during 2012–13 and 2013–14 to investigate the effect of different land configurations and irrigation schedules on soil water depletion, ground water contribution (GWC), productivity and heat use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Flori & Paol). Results of the two years study exhibited highest grain yield by 24.7% and 17.4%, water use efficiency (WUE) by 38.8% and 35.7%, respectively, under furrow irrigated raised beds (FIRBS) over conventional tillage (CT). Soil moisture depletion, GWC and total consumptive water use were lowered by 21% and 15%, 20% and 16%, and 12% and 9%, respectively over CT in both the years. Under zero tillage (ZT) condition, wheat accumulated highest growing degree days (GDD) of 3288°C day and 3321°C day, respectively. Furthermore, FIRBS and ZT plots accumulated additional heat units of 1000°C day-hour till maturity in both the years. Among the irrigation schedules, contribution of irrigation water towards consumptive water use was highest by 41.8% and 43.6% in IW:CPE=0.90 over others in 2 years, respectively. Irrigation water productivity (WPI) was highest by 45.8% and 43.3% in IW:CPE=0.75, respectively.
A field experiment was carried out in semi-arid condition of Hisar during two consecutive years (2012-13 and 2013-14) to assess the performance of wheat under varied irrigation schedules with crop establishment techniques. In present study, wheat planted on beds (FIRBS) resulted in 15-19% increase in grain yield than minimum and conventional tillage systems but the margin was slightly lower and it was statistically at par with zero tillage (ZT). Inclusions of beds in wheat cultivation have led to improved growth indices, growth and yield parameters over conventional and reduced tillage practices. Adoption of ZT under semi-arid conditions led to 12-48% (2012-13) and 27-68 % (2013-14) higher net returns to farmers by reducing the cost incurred on the primary tillage operations. Consumptive water use was reduced by 9-12% besides improved water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water productivity (WPI) under beds than conventional tillage. Improved soil health concerning bulk density, soil organic carbon and total NPK status were perceived under ZT wheat. Growth indices, growth and yield parameters, grain and biological yields of wheat showed improvement under application of irrigation at higher moisture regime of CRI+IW:CPE=0.90 over lower moisture regimes.
Fertilizer and moisture availability affect various physiological and growth processes and are key factors in controlling productivity and yield of cotton crop. Two-year experiment (kharif 2012 and 2013) was conducted to evaluate the effects of different fertilizer levels on growth, yield, water and partial factor productivity of fertilizers of furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB) planted transgenic cotton in semi-arid region of north-west India. The fertilization treatment was based on different ratios of N, P2O5 and K2O. Four fertilizer treatments were designed including 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of recommended rates with N 175, P2O5 60 and K2O 60 kg/ha. Yield components were measured. Partial factor productivity of fertilizer (PFP), water productivity and economics were calculated. Compared to conventional method of sowing, FIRB planted cotton produced significantly higher yield components, viz. sympods and bolls/plant and boll weight. The seed cotton yield of FIRB planted crop increased by 10.3% in 2012 and 11.2% in 2013. This method of sowing also resulted in higher PFP for individual nutrients, i.e. N, P and K as well as for the total nutrients, i.e. N, P and K. It also provided higher water productivity, net benefit and B:C. Non-Bt genotypes did not show any marked diffence in terms of yield, WP and PFP of nutrients applied over Bt, however, was better in terms of net benefit and B:C. The PFP decreased with the increase of fertilization rates. With 75% RDF, the PFPN during the respective two crop seasons was 14.02 and 12.98 kg seed cotton/kg applied N and decreased to 7.05 and 6.98 with 150% RDF. The corresponding values of PFPP or K were 40.90 and 37.88 which decreased to 21.89 and 20.31 kg seed cotton/kg applied P or K. Similarly, the PFP N,P and K was 8.33 and 7.72 and the corresponding vlaues with 150% RDF were 4.45 and 4.41 kg seed cotton per kg applied N, P and K. Under semi-arid conditions, to achieve higher productivity hybrid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) be planted under FIRB system fertilized with N -175, P2O5-60 and K2O-60 kg/ha.
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