Effect of continuous and intermittent irrigation methods on rice (cv. Koohrang) yield

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of permanent and intermittent irrigation on the yield of rice (cv. Koohrang) in Lordegan rice-growing areas in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province (Iran). The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replications during 2003 and 2004. Irrigation treatments were: I1, continuous irrigation with a 5-cm water head every day; I2, alternative irrigation with a 5-cm water head every 2 days; I3, alternative irrigation with a 5-cm water head every 4 days; and I4, alternative irrigation with a 5 cm water head every 6 days. Results showed that the paddy yield was highest under treatment I2 (5655.6 kg ha−1) and lowest under treatment I4 (3421.3 kg ha−1). The highest rate of water use was obtained in I1 with 17 687.5 m3 ha−1 and the lowest in I4 with 9325 m3 ha−1. Paddy yield, plant height, panicle length and 1000-seed weight did not show a significant difference at the 5% level among I1, I2 and I3, but differed significantly to I4. Thus irrigation treatment I3 is appropriate for paddy irrigation in the Lordegan region with 10 645 m3 ha−1 water use and 5483.7 kg ha−1 paddy yield.