Irrigation Water productivity in Rice Crop through Alternate Wetting and Drying method

Abstract

Abstract The demonstrations on alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice crop were conducted by KVK Ferozepur, Punjab during Kharif 2019-21 at 25 locations in 5villages of district. The selected study locale was characterized by well drained sandy loam with medium soil fertility status. The three plots of 0.4 ha size each was selected for the two treatments i.e. alternate wetting and drying and continuous submergence (farmer practice) at each of 25 locations. The rice grain yields increased by 1.18 per cent under AWD compared to the continuous submergence (71.4 q/ha). The irrigation water productivity (IWP) was higher by 18.36 per cent under AWD compared to that in continuous submergence. Ricecrop under AWD required 30 cm smaller amount of irrigation water during its whole growing season compared to the continuous submergence. The AWD technique holds great promise as water-saving technology that can help to address water scarcity in the rice growing areas of food basket bowl of India. Therefore, the AWD method could enhance yield and save irrigation water by 18–20 percent in rice crop.