Response of Okra Under Microsprinkler and Surface Methods of Irrigation

Abstract

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of microsprinkler on water economy, growth and yield of okra at H.R.C., Patharchatta, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar during 2001–2002. The crop was grown as an intercrop in between the rows of litchi. Irrigation requirement was met based on depletion in available soil moisture and ET of the crop for surface and microsprinkler irrigation, respectively. Results indicated that higher grain yield of okra 109.85 q/ha was recorded for microsprinkler irrigation as against 86.60 q/ha in surface irrigation methods of irrigation. Significant improvements in biometric growth and yield parameters were recorded for microsprinkler irrigation as compared to surface irrigation. Significant saving of water (38%) was achieved for microsprinkler irrigation resulting in higher water use efficiency of 15.60 kg/ha-mm as against 10.53 kg/ha-mm in case of surface irrigation. The gross BC ratio of 1.81, 1.55, and 1.90 were achieved for surface irrigation, microsprinkler irrigation considering with system cost and microsprinkler irrigation considering without system cost, respectively. The net profit achieved per cm application of irrigation water used was highest in case of microsprinkler irrigation considering without system cost, respectively. The net profit achieved per cm application of irrigation water used was highest in case of microsprinkler irrigation considering without system cost (Rs. 1.30) followed by microsprinkler irrigation with system cost (Rs. 1.07) and lowest in case of surface irrigation (Rs. 0.50).