Abstract
An experimental study was carried out on a Lysimeter with the aim of partially meeting WRs (Water Requirements) of the Okra crop through SWT (Shallow Water Table) while maintaining the SWT at various levels below the ground surface. Under the study, CWR (Crop Water Requirement), yield, water productivity, salt accrual and contribution of SWTs towards meeting the CWR are assessed. The study was designed in accordance with the principles of CRD (Complete Randomized Design) with three treatments and four replications. The treatments; viz. T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 consisted of maintaining the WTDs (Water Table Depths) at 45, 60 and 75 cm, respectively, below the ground surface. The crop was irrigated with a good quality water having EC w = 0.50 dS m-1 and pH = 7.3. The results of the study showed that the crop consumed the maximum amount of water under T 1 treatment, followed by T 2 and then by T 3 treatment. Accordingly, the contribution of SWTs towards the CWR is 94.8, 93.2 and 42.9% of the total CWR under the T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 treatments, respectively. Maximum yield is attained under T 3 treatment, followed by T 2 treatment and then by T 1 treatment. Likewise, maximum water productivity is achieved under T 3 treatment, followed by T 2 treatment and then by T 1 treatment. The dry bulk density (ρ ρ ρ ρ ρ d) of the soil, under T 1 and T 2 treatments, increased slightly; however, it remained unchanged under the T 3 treatment. The EC se (Electrical Conductivity) of the soil increased, whereas, the pH value of the soil decreased under all the treatments. Statistically, significant difference (p 0.05) under the three treatments. Accordingly, to make profitable use of SWTs, improve WUE and productivity, and maintain soil fertility, the depth of SWT be controlled at 75 cm for growing of the Okra crop. Adapting to this guideline will help in availing the maximum contribution of SWTs towards meeting the CWR and achieve the larger aim of water conservation.
Highlights
With increasing population, urbanization and industrialization, competition for water is increasing worldwide
To make profitable use of SWTs, improve WUE and productivity, and maintain soil fertility, the depth of SWT be controlled at 75 cm for growing of the Okra crop
It can be concluded that the contribution of SGW towards the water requirement of the Okra crop varies significantly under varying WTDs
Summary
Urbanization and industrialization, competition for water is increasing worldwide. The gap between water supply and demand is widening with every passing day. Population increase is pressing for additional food and domestic water supplies, consumer goods and *. US-Pakistan Centres for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering * Technology, Jamshoro. Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam. Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering & Technology, Volume 37, No 1, January, 2018 [p-ISSN: 0254-7821, e-ISSN: 2413-7219] 197. In Pakistan, agriculture consumes more than 93% of good quality water [2,3]. Due to increasing agricultural activities in the country, the gap between water supply and demand has widened manifolds. There is a dire need of fresh water resources to meet the ever-increasing demand of various users. Given the scenario of not having much potential for additional water resources to be developed, the only option remains to manage the available water resources sensibly and adapt to best management practices
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