Response of Three Rice Cultivars to the Intermittent Irrigation in Southern Iraq

Abstract

A field trial was conducted at Al-Mishkhab Rice Research Station during 2011 season, to assess the effects of irrigation intervals on water productivity and yield components of three local rice varieties (Anber 33, Yasamin, and Furat 1). Two irrigation methods were practiced: continuous ponding and intermittent water application where irrigation water was scheduled at three different intervals (3, 5 and 7 days).The trial was performed as split plot based on a complete randomized blocks design (RCBD) having three replications. Seedlings were transplanted 20 days following germination into rows. 30 cm a part with 20 cm distance between plants within rows. The results showed that the 3-days, 5-days and 7-days intervals of irrigation consumed 50%, 45% and 36% as much water, as continuous flood. The 3-days irrigation interval increased yield by 2% compared with continuous flood while the 7-days irrigation interval decreased yield by 15% compared with continuous flood. Furat1 and Yasamin varieties manifested higher water compared with Anber33. Water productivity of Furat 1 and Yasamin were 0.6108kg.m-3 and 0.5667kg.m-3 respectively. It is concluded that replacing current continuous submergence of rice crops with 3-days interval irrigation will lead to a substantial saving of water, about 50%, while raising yields; and having 7-days interval irrigation could indeed give much-improved productivity of water (grain produced per unit of water).This latter option should be considered even if it does not maximize grain produced per unit of land area in as much as water is becoming a resource more limiting than land for Iraqi agriculture. This water management strategy could help to deal with the shortage in water that is facing Iraqi farmers now and in the foreseeable future.