Evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) under drip irrigation and Fertigation levels in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Abstract

An attempt was made to determine the actual evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of turmeric at various growth stages under drip irrigation and fertigation scheduling during 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Jalgaon, Maharashtra. The results revealed that cured rhizome yield of turmeric increased significantly at each higher levels of drip irrigation up to 100% Epan and fertigation of 100% dose of N and K. Peak seasonal ETc (3.04 to 4.40 and 3.50 to 5.11 mm day-1) of turmeric was recorded at rhizome initiation stage (91-20 DAS) and rhizome development stage (121 to 210 days). The mean seasonal ETc of turmeric ranged from 770 to 1090 mm. The highest seasonal ETc and ETc rate was recorded in surface check basin irrigation at IW/CPE 1 and lowest in deficit irrigation schedule i.e. drip irrigation at 60% Epan. Each higher level of fertigation from 50% to 125% recommended dose of N and K increased ETc and ETc rate of turmeric with increase in cured rhizomes yield of turmeric. The measured Kc values were different up to some extent from the FAO reported values; corrected crop coefficient values for Jalgaon region was recorded at 100% Epan through drip were slightly higher over the FAO Kc values.