Crop performance, water use, economics and energy indices in rabi groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under micro irrigation methods

Abstract

Aim: A field investigation was conducted during 2016-17 and 2017-18 to assess the relative performance of micro irrigation methods with regard to yield, water use, economics, nitrogen indices and energy use pattern in rabi groundnut on irrigated Alfisols. Methodology: One conventional and three micro-irrigation methods viz., drip, sprinkler and rain gun were evaluated in rabi groundnut. Besides growth, reproductive traits and pod yield, the information on nodule count, water use efficiency, economic benefits, nitrogen and energy indices was generated. High yielding, high water, power and energy use efficient irrigation scheduling method for rabi groundnut cultivation was identified. Results: Drip irrigation @ 0.8 Epan + fertigation at recommended dose of fertilizers not only recorded better growth and reproductive attributes but also resulted in 8-10% higher dry pod yield over sprinkler irrigation, raingun irrigation and conventional method. Besides, drip method also recorded higher water use efficiency (6.31 kg ha-1 mm-1) and higher economic yield per kg N applied (95.9 kg). This method also proved to be energy efficient and remunerative with higher net income (` 70,280 ha-1). Interpretation: Scheduling of irrigation and fertigation through drip method helped in achieving higher pod yield, water and nitrogen use efficiency utilizing less power and energy in groundnut cultivation.