Wheat Response to Irrigation Scheduling

Abstract

Two irrigation frequencies and three amounts of irrigation water were studied for two consecutive winter seasons (2000/01 and 2001/02) to test their effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield. The study was carried out at the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat. The irrigation frequencies studied were 10 and 15 days, while the amounts of irrigation water used were 100% and 85% of wheat ETc, as determined by the modified Penman equation, along with applying 100% of wheat ETc, as determined by the CROPWAT model. The seasonal irrigation water under 100% CROPWAT ETc regime was 18% and 8% less than that applied at 100% and 85% Penman ETc water regimes, respectively. There were significant differences between irrigation frequencies. Except for straw yield, 10 days frequency recorded higher values than 15 days frequency. The amounts of irrigation water had a significant effect on field water use efficiency with the highest value recorded under 100% CROPWAT ETc water regime. The interaction between water regime and irrigation frequency produced no significant effect on all the studied parameters. However, 10 days frequency and 100% CROPWAT ETc water amount recorded the highest field water use efficiency.