Improving water use efficiency in wheat through plot size and irrigation schedule

On farm trials through participatory mode were conducted during 2003–06 at the farmer's fields in two villages of central districts of Punjab where water table situation is critical. The experimental soils varied from sandy clay loam to loamy sand in texture. Six to fifteen sites of one acre each were selected in each village. Each acre was divided into two parts to compare traditional practice and improved technology (3–5 irrigations applied in 250 m² plots). The recommended variety and practices for wheat cultivation were followed. Results revealed that 250 m² plots saved 3.1, 3.6 and 6.0 cm irrigation water over 500 m² plots during 2003–04, 04–05 and 05–06 cropping seasons, respectively. Besides yield was higher in smaller plots when same number of irrigations were applied. Larger plots (500 or 1000 m²) combined with more number of irrigations recorded same yield as that obtained in smaller plots with lesser number of irrigations. Irrigation water input was more in larger plots as evident from higher (5.8 cm/180 cm profile) soil moisture storage. Distribution of soil moisture along the length was uniform in smaller plots as compared with bigger plots.