Moisture-use pattern and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) in relation to planting date, variety and irrigation

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (mbr) seasons of 1985-86 and 1986-87 at Powarkheda, to sh~dy the effect of planting date, variety and irrigation on consumptive use and water- use efficiency (WUE) of chickpea (Cicer arielinurn L.). The consumptive use and water-use efficiency were more, whereas moisture-use rate was less in timely sown crop (26 October-16 November). The consumptive use and moisture-use rate were higher under higher irrigation levels. The consumptive use and water-use efficiency were higher in Radhey variety than in Ujjain 21. Sowing of chickpea between 26 October and 16 November proved the best.. Irrigation at an 0.8 irrigation water : cumulative pan-evaporation ratio (3 irrigations, i.e. at 32-35, 55-68 and 103-107 days after sowing), resulted in the highest yield and net return. Yield potential of Radhey was more than that of Ujjain 21. Soil-moisture expaction was maximum between 15 and 30 cm depths. -. *- -,