Abstract
Field experiments were conducted during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 and results of both the years were pooled to evaluate the microclimate of wheat under five dates of sowing, two nitrogen and two irrigation levels at Ludhiana and Bathinda representing semi-arid and arid agroclimatic regions of Punjab. Soil temperature reported during seed emergence was maximum in early sown (20th October) crop and decreased with delay in sowing at both the locations under study. Canopy temperature from 60 DAS onwards was recorded lower in 5th November and higher in 20th December sown crop while in case of irrigation and nitrogen levels, it was lower under optimal irrigation (I1) and recommended nitrogen (N1) application. Stress degree days (SDD) calculated were also lowest in 5th November sown crop (-323.6oC) and these were lower in N1 (-271.3oC) and I1 (-274.9oC) during both the years, respectively. Better crop growth and hence, leaf area index resulted in higher PAR interception in October sown with optimal irrigation and recommended nitrogen level. Canopy temperature at different periodic intervals (75, 90, 105 and 120 DAS) showed negative correlation with grain yield (R2 = 0.76, 0.75, 0.71 and 0.70, respectively). Similarly, SDD had negative relation with wheat yield (R2 = 0.74).
Highlights
Agriculture is highly dependent on climatic conditions
As the state of Punjab is suffering from large climatic fluctuations from last many decades (Kingra et al, 2017) leading to significant fluctuations in wheat productivity every year (Kingra, 2016; Kingra et al, 2018), there is a dire need to manage climate change impacts on wheat production to ensure food security and sustainability of natural resources in the region
The present study was conducted to evaluate the microclimate of wheat under different sowing dates, nitrogen and irrigation levels to explore suitable strategies to minimise climatic risks in agriculture under semi-arid and arid agroclimates
Summary
Agriculture is highly dependent on climatic conditions. Significant fluctuations and increased frequency of extreme weather events in the recent past have made it more vulnerable to climatic risks (Kingra and Kaur, 2017). Since rise in temperature is likely to reduce crop yield, it is imperative that suitable adaptation strategies have to be developed to minimize the adverse impacts. By making some adjustments in crop management, we can modify the crop microclimate without any significant financial burden, making it more favourable for growth and yield of the crops (Mahi and Kingra, 2013). Matching the phenology of the crop to the duration of favourable environmental conditions by selecting the most appropriate sowing time to avoid the periods of stress is crucial for obtaining maximum yields under changing climate (Singh et al, 2016). The present study was conducted to evaluate the microclimate of wheat under different sowing dates, nitrogen and irrigation levels to explore suitable strategies to minimise climatic risks in agriculture under semi-arid and arid agroclimates
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