English

Abstract

Wheat is a staple food of Pakistan and its productivity is linked with water supply. Potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD) is an approach to save water. PSMD technique was utilized to grow early and late sowing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for optimum yield. The experiment was conducted at the agronomic research area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2010‒2011 and 2011‒2012. The experimental design was randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement with three replications. The main plot was sowing dates (15 November and 15 December) and the sub-plots were levels of irrigation based on PSMD (full irrigation, 45 mm, 60 mm and 75 mm). The row spacing as set 20 cm and the seed rate was 125 kg ha using cv. Sahar-2006. Fertilizer was applied at 120:90 kg ha of nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. Data were recorded for yield and yield components at maturity. Irrigation at 45 mm PSMD for crop sown on November 15 produced maximum grain yield. During both years, maximum plant height, number of grains per spike, thousand grain weight, productive of tillers (m), grain yield and WUE were recorded with full irrigation and irrigation at 45 mm PSMD respectively. Results revealed that deficit irrigation at 45 mm PSMD was water saving as compared to farmer conventional practice of full irrigation. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers