Water Management of Field Crops

Crops: rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, sugarcane with special attention to the WR, rainfall, irrigation
scheduling, application methods, water depth, ET, WUE & WP

Rice

1. Status: Rice is an important cereal food crop producing 158.75 million tonnes from an
area of 42.9 m ha in India (FAO, 2016) having 56 % irrigated area and average land
productivity of 3695 kg/ha. It is a grassy crop having the root depth of 30 cm.
2. Agro-ecology: Crop prefers humid subtropical climate and water logged situation. It is
grown mostly in sub humid to humid agro-climate of India starting from Kashmir to
Kanyakumari growing in 530 districts. Rice is grown mostly during kharif season in an
area of 40 m ha and in summer it is grown in 4 m ha.
3. Water requirement (WR): Water requirement in rice varies from 1200-1600 mm. The
factors affecting WR are as crop duration, variety, growing season, soil texture, water
management and crop management practices.
Stage wise WR of rice under irrigated condition is as for
Nursary : 40-50 mm
Puddling operation (0-7 days): 200-250 mm
Seedling recovery (20 days): 150-200 mm
Tillering to Booting (30 days): 450-500 mm
Flowering to Maturity (30 days): 400-450 mm

Irrigation cut off date i.e. to stop irrigation before harvesting of n rice varies from 7- 12
days depending on the soil texture. In sandy loam soil irrigation cut off date is 7-10
days and in typical clay soil it can be extended up to 12 -15 days.
4. Rainfall: Well distributed high rainfall of 1000-2000 mm during rainy season with 100-
120 rainy days for transplanted rice. In case of direct seeded dry land rice atleast 80
rainy days are required.
5. Irrigation Management: Rice grown in summer requires 1000-1200 mm irrigation
water and number of irrigation varies from 20-24, daily irrigation requirement 10-15
mm. Irrigation requirement varies with soil texture, topography of land, crop duration
and rainfall received during crop period. In summer season crop received 150-250
mm rainfall in addition to irrigation.
Irrigation scheduling: It is followed in rice depending upon the soil texture,
topography and water availability as
1) Continuous standing water (CSW) of 5+2 cm depth: it is followed in clay soil
under low land topography;
2) Continuous soil saturation (CSS): shallow depth of irrigation of 2-3 cm used at
alternate day or twice a day to maintain the soil moist. It is followed in upland
topography and where soils are light;
3) Alternate wetting and drying (AWD): Irrigation is applied at 1, 3, 5 days after
disappearance of water. It is followed in heavy soil and in water scarce area;
4) Phasic submergence of water (PSW): irrigation is given differently at different
growth stages of rice like at tillering irrigation is given following AWD but at flowering
irrigation given following CSW. This is also called intermittent irrigation schedule;
 5) Aerobic rice: No puddling is done and no standing water is maintained. Seed is
direct seeded to the field. Root zone aeration is maintained. Irrigation is given following
the soil moisture depletion at 20-30% of available water. This is done in light soil
where water is a serious concern for growing rice.
Irrigation methods: Flood irrigation is followed in canal command but in tube well
command check basin methods are adopted for better control of water.
Depth of irrigation: Shallow submergence: 2-3 cm of irrigation water is applied in light
soil at frequent interval. Deep submergence: 5-7 cm of irrigation water is applied in
heavy soil at 4-5 days interval.
6. Water balance components: Win = Wout; where, Win is the inflow components like
rainfall (P) + irrigation (I); W out means out flow components like evapotranspiration (ET)
+ Seepage-Percolation (SP) + Runoff (RO). ET of rice varies from 450-550 mm (30-
35% of total water use); SP 700-800 mm (60-70% of total water use. Percolation rate
in rice varies from 4-6 mm after transplanting of 20 days and there after rate increases
up to 10-12 mm/day depending on the soil texture and puddling intensity. In kharif
season rice grown in up land, run off constitutes about 30-40% of total rainfall,
whereas, rice grown in low land, gain of water from seepage and run off happen to
about 30-40%.
6. Evapotranspiration (ET): ET of rice varies from 450-550 mm (30-35% of total water
use). Total water use varies from 1200-1600 mm depending upon the land situation,
water supply, crop season etc.
7. Yield, Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Water Productivity (WP)
Irrigated rice 5000-6000 kg/ga, Rainfed rice 2500-3500 kg /ha
Y Y
Water Use Efficiency (WUE) = or unit kg ha-mm-1; where, Y - yield of crop
ET WS
(kg/ha); ET- evapotranspiratioin (mm); WS - field water supply (mm). WUE value
varied from 3 - 8 kg ha-mm-1. The average value is 5 kg ha-mm-1.
Produce
Water Productivity (WP) = = unit kg m-3 water;: WP value of rice
Volume of water use
varies from 0.5-0.8 kg m-3 water.

WR for production of 1 kg rice grain is 2000-3000 lit water and 1 kg milled rice is 4000-
5000 lit water.
Wheat
1. Status: Wheat is second important cereal food crop of India producing 93.5 million
tonnes from an area of 30.2 m ha in India (FAO, 2016) having 90 % irrigated area and
average land productivity of 3093 kg/ha. It is a grassy crop having the active root
depth of 90 cm.
2. Agro-ecology: Crop prefers temperate climate and long cool growing period specially
at grain filling period. but in India it is grown in dry and cool sub-humid agro-climate.
Wheat growing region of India is divided as North West Zone, North East Zone,
Central Zone, Penninsular Zone and Hill Zone. Wheat crop prefers sandy loam to clay
loam soil with high dept.
3. Water requirement (WR): Water requirement in wheat varies from 350-450 mm. The
factors affecting WR are as growing region, soil texture and cultivated situation. WR
of North-West, Central Zone are high as 400-450 mm, whereas, North-East and Hill
Zone is low as 250-350 mm. Similarly, depending upon different growing situation
water need varies likely under rainfed situation wheat needs 200 -250 mm water, in
canal command 350-400 mm, tube well irrigated crop needs 250 300 mm.
Critical crop growth stages for irrigation are as
1) Crown Root Initiation (CRI) starts at 21 DAS
2) Tillering stage (20-40 DAS)
3) Jointing stage (40-60 DAS)
4) Flowering ( 60-75 DAS)
5) Milk stage (75-90 DAS )
6) Dough stage (90-110 DAS)
The most moisture sensitive stage is CRI followed by flowering and milk stage. If
single irrigation opportunity for wheat, it should be provided at CRI stage.
4. Rainfall: Overall precipitation in wheat growing season varies from 35-50 mm
depending on the places. More winter rain occurs in terai region tha the North-West or
Central Zone. Winter rain becomes a boon to the rainfed crops grown in black cotton
soil of Karnataka, Central Zone and North-East Zone.
5. Irrigation Management: Wheat crop is grown mostly in irrigated situation. It requires
on an average 3-4 numbers of irrigations in Indo-Gangetic plains but irrigation
requirement is high for north-western plains (5-7 nos) and low in north-eastern states
(1-2 nos). Irrigation requirement varies with growing region, due to crop water demand,
soil texture and rainfall received during crop period.
Irrigation scheduling (when to irrigate) in wheat: The timings of irrigation is
decided on the basis of
a) Crop growth stages: irrigation given at critical growth stages depending upon the
irrigation water availability. One irrigation at CRI, Two irrigations at CRI + Flowering;
three irrigations at CRI + PI + Milking; four irrigations at CRI + PI + Flowering +
Milking,
b) IW/CPE ratio: This is a climatic demand based water supply approach. Wheat crop
gives higher yield with irrigation at IW/CPE=1.0 in north India.
c) Soil moisture depletion (SMD): Irrigation at 40%SMD in sandy soil and 50-60% in
clay loam soil give good crop yield of wheat.
 d) Soil matric potential (SMP): Irrigation is given on the basis of energy state of the
soil with the help of tensiometer. Irrigation given at Ψm = -0.03MPa in sandy loam soils
of north India gives good result;
e) Canopy temperature: Irrigation is given on the basis of leaf temperature of crop. In
stress crop temperature rises. Leaf temperature varies from 30 to 34 0C depending
upon the soil moisture status.
Irrigation methods (how best to irrigate): Border strip irrigation method is followed
for better control of water. Border strip width (5-6 m) and length (60-80 m) varies with
the soil type, slope of the land and water flow rate. In clay soil, border length is more
but width is less. In sandy soil, border length is shorter but width is more.
Depth of irrigation (how much to irrigate): It depends on soil type, amount of soil
moisture depletion and growth stages. Average depth of irrigation water is 50 mm in
light soil and 60 mm in heavy soil or 70 mm in black cotton soil. At early stage light
irrigation (40-50 mm) is advocated as wheat cannot withstand water logging in the root
zone for a day but at flowering to maturity high depth of irrigation (50-60 mm) is
needed. Irrigation interval should be 30 days at early stage and at later it should be at
15-20 days.
6. Water balance components: Win = Wout;, where, Win is the inflow components
like Irrigation (I) + Rainfall (P) + Profile Contribution (P c) + Capillary rise (C r)); Wout
means out flow components like evapotranspiration (ET) + Drainage. ET of wheat
depends on growing region, cultivated situation and soil texture. Under irrigated
situation actual ET varies from 350-400 mm, whereas, in rainfed it is only 200-250
mm. ET of crops grown in north-eastern states (eastern UP, Assam, Bihar & WB) is
low (300-350 mm), whereas, it is high (450-500 mm) in north-western states (Punjab,
Hatyana, Rajasthan, Maharastra, Karnataka).
7. Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Water Productivity (WP)
Yield of wheat : Irrigated 3500-4500 kg/ha; Rainfed 2500-3500 kg/ha
Y Y
WUE = or unit kg ha-mm-1; where, Y - yield of crop (kg/ha); ET-
ET WS
evapotranspiratioin (mm); WS - field water supply (mm). WUE value of wheat varies
from 10 - 14 kg ha-mm-1. The average value is 12 kg ha-mm-1.
Produce
Water Productivity (WP) = = unit kg m-3 water; WP value of wheat
Volume of water use
varies from 1.2-1.4 kg m-3 water.
Maize

1. Status: Maize is the third important cereal coarse grain food crop of India
producing 26.2 million tonnes from an area of 10.2 m ha in India (FAO, 2016)
having 25 % irrigated area and average land productivity 2574 kg/ha. It is a C4
plant having the strong root system with the depth of 90-120 cm.
2. Agro-ecology: Crop prefers warm and humid tropical and sub-tropical climate. In
India it is grown in 3-distinctive seasons – kharif, rabi and summer but domination
of area is high during kharif season (6 m ha) due to availability of water from
monsoon. Maize is grown all over India but domination in area and production in
the states like MP, AP, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP, Bihar. Maize crop prefers sandy
loam to clay loam soil but yields more in black cotton soil.
3. Water requirement (WR): Water requirement of maize varies from 350-450 mm in
kharif, 400-500 mm in rabi; 600-800 mm in summer. The factors affecting WR are
as growing season, soil texture and cultivated variety, fertilizer management,
irrigation management.
Critical crop growth stages for irrigation are as
1) Seedling stage (0-15 DAS): most critical stage for good plant stand
2) Knee high stage at 30-35 DAS,
3) Silk stage at 55-60 DAS,
4) Dough stage at 90-100 DAS.
The most sensitive stage for irrigation is silk stage. If there is single irrigation
opportunity for maize, it should be provided at silk stage i.e. at female flowering.
4. Rainfall: Kharif maize is totally depends on monsoon rain amount (800-1000 mm)
and its distribution (70-80 rainy days). In rabi growing season it varies from 35-50
mm depending on the places. Maize crop receives more winter rain (100-150 mm)
in terai region. Winter rain becomes a boon to the early rainfed crops grown in
black cotton soil. In summer season, crop is totally dependent on irrigation. In
addition to irrigation, crops receive a rainfall amount of 150-250 mm.
5. Irrigation Management: Maize crop is grown mostly in irrigated situation during
rabi and summer season. It requires on an average 3-4 numbers of irrigations in
Indo-Gangetic plains during winter but irrigation requirement is high 6-10 nos for
summer season crop. Irrigation requirement varies with growing region, due to crop
water demand, soil texture and rainfall received during crop period.
Irrigation scheduling (when to irrigate) in maize: The timings of irrigation is
decided on the basis of
a) Crop growth stages: irrigation given at critical growth stages depending upon
the irrigation water availability. One irrigation at Silk, Two irrigations at Knee high +
Silk; three irrigations at Seedling + Knee high + Silk stage; four irrigations at
Seedling + Knee high + Silk stage + Dough stage,
b) IW/CPE ratio: This is a climatic demand based water supply approach. Maize
crop gives higher yield with irrigation at IW/CPE= 0.8 in north India.
c) Soil moisture depletion (SMD): Irrigation at 50%SMD in sandy soil and 60% in
clay loam soil give good crop yield of Maize.
 d) Soil matric potential (SMP): Irrigation is given on the basis of energy state of
the soil with the help of tensiometer. Irrigation given at Ψm = -0.03MPa in sandy
loam soils of north India gives good result;
e) Canopy temperature: Irrigation is given on the basis of leaf temperature of
crop. In stress crop temperature rises. Leaf temperature varies from 30 to 34 0C
depending upon the soil moisture status.
Irrigation methods (how best to irrigate): Ridge and furrow irrigation method is
followed in rabi crop for better crop growth. Check basin and Flat bed method of
irrigation are advocated for summer crop. In clay soil, ridge & furrow method is
good but in case of sandy soil is more suitable.
Depth of irrigation (how much to irrigate): It depends on soil type, amount of soil
moisture depletion and growth stages. Average depth of irrigation water is 50 mm
in light soil and 60 mm in heavy soil or 70 mm in black cotton soil. At early stage
light irrigation (40-50 mm) is advocated as maize cannot withstand water logging in
the root zone for a day but at flowering to maturity high depth of irrigation (50-60
mm) is needed. In summer crop depth of irrigation should be high as 70 mm.
Irrigation interval should be 30 days in winter but it should be at 10-15 days in
summer crops.
6. Water balance components: Win = Wout;, where, Win is the inflow components
of kharif maize crops is only Rainfall (P) but in case of winter crops Irrigation (I) +
Profile Contribution (Pc) + Rainfall (P) + Capillary rise (C r) but in case of summer
maize crop it is Irrigation (I) + Rainfall (P) ; W out means out flow components like
evapotranspiration (ET) + Drainage. Actual ET of maize depends on growing
season, cultivated situation and soil texture. Under irrigated situation actual ET
value varies from 350-450 mm in winter and 500-600 mm in summer, whereas, in
rainfed kharif crop it is only 300-350 mm. ET of crops grown in north-eastern
states (eastern UP, Assam, Bihar & WB) is low (400-450 mm), whereas, it is high
(450-600 mm) in north-western states (Punjab, Hatyana, Rajasthan, Maharastra,
Karnataka).
7. Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Water Productivity (WP)
Yeld of maize: Kharif 3000-3500, Rabi 6000-7500; Summer 5000-5500 kg/ha
Y Y
WUE = or unit kg ha-mm-1; where, Y - yield of crop (kg/ha); ET-
ET WS
evapotranspiratioin (mm); WS - field water supply (mm). WUE value of maize
varies from 10 - 12, 15 -16 and 8 - 10 kg ha-mm -1 in kharif, winter and summer
maize crop respectively. The average value is 15 kg ha-mm -1. This maize crop has
the highest photosynthetic efficiency as it belongs to C4 group.
Produce
Water Productivity (WP) = = unit kg m-3 water; WP value of
Volume of water use
maize varies from 1.5-1.8 kg m-3 water.
Groundnut
1. Status: Groundnut is the important oilseed crop of India producing 6.85 million
tonnes from an area of 5.8 m ha (FAO, 2016) in India having 20 % irrigated area and
average land productivity of 1182 kg/ha. It is a plant having the shallow root system
with the depth of 30 cm.
2. Agro-ecology: Crop prefers warm and humid tropical and sub-tropical climate. In
India it is grown in 3-distinctive seasons – kharif, rabi and summer but domination
of area is high during kharif season as rainfed crop (4 m ha). Winter and summer
crops are grown with irrigation. Groundnut is grown all over India but domination in
area and production in the states like Gujrat, AP, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP, Bihar and
West Bengal. Groundnut crop prefers light soil having the texture of sandy loam to
clay loam soil.
3. Water requirement (WR): Water requirement of groundnut varies from 300-350 mm
in kharif, 300-400 mm in rabi; 500-700 mm in summer. The factors affecting WR
are as growing region, season, soil texture and cultivated variety, irrigation
management.
Critical crop growth stages of groundnut for irrigation are as
(1) Germination & emergence (0-10 DAS)
(2) Vegetative stage (10-25 DAS)
(3) Flowering stage (25-40 DAS)
(4) Pegging stage (30-50 DAS)
(5) Pod formation stage (50-75 DAS)
(6) Kernel development stage (80-95 DAS)
(7) Maturity stage (85-110 DAS)
The most moisture sensitive stage for groundnut is flowering followed by pod
formation and kernel development stage. If there is single irrigation opportunity for
groundnut, it should be provided at flowering stage.
4. Rainfall: Kharif groundnut is totally depends on monsoon rainfall amount (800-1000
mm) and its distribution (70-80 rainy days). In rabi growing season it varies from 35-
50 mm depending on the places. Winter rain becomes a boon to the early rainfed
crops. In summer season, crop is totally dependent on irrigation. In addition to
irrigation, crops receive a rainfall amount of 150-250 mm.
5. Irrigation Management: Groundnut crop is grown mostly in irrigated situation during
rabi and summer season. It requires on average 2-3 irrigations in Indo-Gangetic
plains during winter but irrigation requirement is high 6-8 nos for summer season
crop. Pre-sowing irrigation is needed for summer crop. Irrigation requirement varies
with growing region due to crop water demand, soil texture and rainfall received
during crop period.
Irrigation scheduling (when to irrigate) in groundnut: The timings of irrigation is
decided on the basis (approach) of
a) Crop growth stages: irrigation given at critical growth stages depending upon the
irrigation water availability. One irrigation at Flowering stage, Two irrigations at
Flowering + Pod development; three irrigations at Flowering + Pod development +
Kernel development stage; four irrigations at Vegetative stage + Pegging stage +
Pod development + Kernel development stage
 b) IW/CPE ratio: This is a climatic demand based water supply approach. Using
IW/CPW ratio approach irrigation can be scheduled ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 with 50
mm depth of irrigation (IW) depending upon soil texture
c) Soil moisture depletion (SMD): Irrigation at 20-30%SMD of available soil
moisture in sandy soil and 40% in clay loam soil give good pod yield of groundnut .
Under water deficit condition, irrigation can be made at 50% SMD.
d) Soil matric potential (SMP): Irrigation is given on the basis of energy state of the
soil with the help of tensiometer. Irrigation given at Ψm = -0.03MPa in sandy loam soils
of north India gives good result
e) Canopy temperature: Irrigation is given on the basis of leaf temperature of crop.
In stress crop temperature rises. Leaf temperature varies from 30 to 34 0C depending
upon the soil moisture status.
Irrigation methods (how best to irrigate): Ridge and furrow irrigation method is
followed in rabi crop for better crop growth and yield. Check basin and Flat bed
method of irrigation are advocated for summer crop.
Depth of irrigation (how much to irrigate): It depends on soil type, amount of soil
moisture depletion and growth stages. Average depth of irrigation water is 40 mm in
light soil and 50-60 mm in summer crop. At early stage light irrigation (30-40 mm) is
advocated as groundnut cannot withstand water logging in the root zone for a day but
at flowering to maturity high depth of irrigation (50 mm) is needed. In summer crop
depth of irrigation should be high as 60 mm. Irrigation interval should be 30 days in
winter crops but it should be at 10-15 days in summer crops.
6. Water balance components: Win = Wout;, where, Win is the inflow components of
kharif groundnut crops is only Rainfall (P) but in case of winter crops Irrigation (I) +
Profile Contribution (Pc) + Rainfall (P) + Capillary rise (C r) but in case of summer
groundnut crop it is Irrigation (I) + Rainfall (P) ; W out means out flow components like
evapotranspiration (ET) + Drainage. Actual ET of groundnut depends on growing
season, cultivated situation and soil texture. Under irrigated situation actual ET value
varies from 350-400 mm in winter and 400-500 mm in summer, whereas, in rainfed
kharif crop it is only 300-350 mm.
7. Crop yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and water productivity (WP)
Yield of groundnut varies with crop growing season-
Kharif 2500-3000, rabi 4000-4500, summer 5000-6000 kg /ha.
Y Y
WUE = or unit kg ha-mm-1; where, Y - yield of crop (kg/ha); ET-
ET WS
evapotranspiratioin (mm); WS - field water supply (mm). WUE value of groundnut
varies from 8 - 10, 12 -15 and 15 - 18 kg ha-mm -1 in kharif, winter and summer
groundnut crop respectively. The average value is 12 kg ha-mm-1.
Produce
Water Productivity (WP) = unit kg m-3 water; WP value of
Volume of water use
groundnut varies from 1.2-1.4 kg m-3 water.
Sugarcane
1. Status: Sugarcane is the important sugar crop of India producing 350 million tonnes
from an area of 5 m ha in India having 90 % irrigated area and average productivity
70 t/ha. It is a tall (6-7 m) perennial plant having the fibrous root system with the
active root depth of 60-80 cm.
2. Agro-ecology: Crop prefers warm and humid tropical and sub-tropical climate. In
India it is grown as Eksali (11-12 months or one year) and Adsali (16-18 months or
one & half year) crop but domination of Eksai crop area is more through out india
ecept southerm part of India. Sugarcane is grown all over India but domination in
area and production in the states like Maharastra, Karnataka, UP, TN, AP, Bihar and
West Bengal. Sugarcane crop prefers heavy soil having the texture of clay, clay loam
soil and sandy loam.
3. Water requirement (WR): Water requirement of sugarcane varies from 2000-2200
mm in Eksali crop and 3800-3000 mm in Adsali crop. Crop in north-eastern states
(UP, Bihar, WB) requires less water (1600-1800 mm), whereas, wester and souther
states like Maharastra, Karnatak, TN require high water requirement (2200-2400mm)
for Eksali crop. The factors affecting WR are as growing region, variety, soil
texture, irrigation management and ground water table situation.
Critical crop growth stages of sugarcane for irrigation are as
(1) Germination stage (0-30 DAP)
(2) Emergence stage (30-60 DAP)
(3) Tillering stage (60-120 DAP)
(4) Elongation stage (120-240 DAP)
(5) Maturity stage (240-360 DAP)
The most moisture sensitive stage for sugarcane is tillering followed by germination
and maturation stage. At germination moist situation enhances germination and
emergence, whereas, optimum soil moistutre is needed for better sugar recovery.
4. Rainfall: Eksali sugarcane is totally depends on irrigation at the early stage as it is
planted on February-March and later on monsoon rainfall amount (1200-1600 mm)
and its distribution (100-110 rainy days). Adsali crop is planted in October-November.
Sugarcane crop is totally dependent on irrigation. In addition to irrigation, crops need
effective rainfall of 900-1000 mm.
5. Irrigation Management: Sugarcane crop is grown mostly in irrigated situation.
Irrigation need of the crop as Adsali 20-24 nos; Eksali 12-14 nos, Ratoons 7-8 nos.
With a depth of irrigation in sandy soil 50 mm, clay or black soil 70 mm. In summer
interval of irrigation is 10-12 days. Pre-sowing irrigation is needed for February-
March planted crop. Irrigation requirement varies with duration of the crop, growing
region due to crop water demand, soil texture and rainfall received during crop
period.
Irrigation scheduling (when to irrigate) in groundnut: The timings of irrigation is
decided on the basis (approach) of
a) Crop growth stages: irrigation given at critical growth stages depending upon
the irrigation water availability.
(1) Germination stage (0-30 DAP): In February planted crop, irrigation at 15
days interval should be given at 20% SMD of available water which ensures better
sprouting of sets.
 (2) Emergence stage (30-60 DAP): Irrigation at 20-25 days interval should be
given at 30% SMD of available water which ensures better emergence of sugarcane.
(3) Tillering stage (60-120 DAP): This stage passes during summer days. So,
irrigation at 10-12 days interval should be given at 50% SMD of available water which
ensures better tillering of sugarcane plant. Moisture stress reduces tillering and
ultimately yields of the crop
(4) Elongation stage (120-240 DAP): It is mostly rainfed. As it covers during
monsoon. If rainfall of 75 mm at 15 days doesnot occurs, supplemental irrigation at
50%SMD should be given. Crop needs 2-6 irrigations in rainy seasons if monsoon
holidays prevail for 10-15 days or more.
(5) Maturity stage (240-360 DAP): This stage generally passes during
November to January. Soil moisture shortage or excess reduces the sucrose content
of sugarcane and sugar recovery percentage. At this stage leaf sheath water content
should be 85%.

b) IW/CPE ratio: This is a climatic demand based water supply approach. Using
IW/CPW ratio approach, irrigation can be scheduled ranging from 1.2 for sandy loam
soil and 1.0 in clay loam soil with 50 mm depth of irrigation (IW).
c) Soil moisture depletion (SMD): Irrigation at 20-30%SMD of available soil
moisture in sandy soil at formative stage of the crop and 50% in clay loam soil give
good pod yield sugarcane.
d) Soil matric potential (SMP): Irrigation is given on the basis of energy state of the
soil with the help of tensiometer. Irrigation given at Ψm = -0.03MPa in sandy loam soils
of north India gives good result.
e) Canopy temperature: Irrigation is given on the basis of leaf temperature of crop.
In stress crop temperature rises. Leaf temperature varies from 30 to 34 0C depending
upon the soil moisture status.
Irrigation methods (how best to irrigate): Check basin or flat bed method of
irrigation are advocated for sugarcane crop crop grown in medium land topography.
Ridge and furrow irrigation method is followed in low land. Furrow length varies from
60-80 m. Drip irrigation system has been adopted in Maharastra, Karnataka and AP
with a water saving of 30-50%.
Depth of irrigation (how much to irrigate): It depends on soil type, amount of soil
moisture depletion and growth stages. Average depth of irrigation water is 50 mm in
light soil and 70 mm in clay soil. At early stage light irrigation (50 mm) is advocated
but in summer days high depth of irrigation (60 mm) is needed. Irrigation interval
should be 20-25 days at early stage of crops but it should be at 10-15 days in
summer crops.
6. Water balance components: Win = Wout;, where, Win is the inflow components of
kharif groundnut crops is only Rainfall (P) but in case of winter crops Irrigation (I) +
Profile Contribution (Pc) + Rainfall (P) + Capillary rise (C r) but in case of summer
groundnut crop it is Irrigation (I) + Rainfall (P) ; W out means out flow components like
evapotranspiration (ET) + Drainage. Actual ET of sugarcane depends on duration of
the crop, variety, cultivated situation and soil texture. Under irrigated situation actual
ET value of Eksali crop varies from 1600-1800 mm and Adsali crop 2200-2400 mm.
7. Crop yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and water productivity (WP)
Yield of sugarcane varies with crop duration, soil type, growing region and variety
cultivated -
Adsali 80-110 t/ha, Eksali 50-60 t/ha, and ratoon 20-30 t/ha.
Y Y
WUE = or unit kg ha-mm-1; where, Y - yield of crop (kg/ha); ET-
ET WS
evapotranspiratioin (mm); WS - field water supply (mm). WUE value of sugarcane
varies for Adsali crop 30 - 40 and Eksali crop 25 - 30 kg ha-mm -1 respectively. The
average value is 30 kg ha-mm-1.
Produce
Water Productivity (WP) = unit kg m-3 water;
Volume of water use
WP value of groundnut varies from 3.0-4.0 kg m -3 water.