Sowing Dates Research Articles

Productivity of less common agricultural crops depending on the sowing dates in the conditions of Transbaikalia

The article presents the results of the study of the influence of sowing dates on the productivity of less common agricultural fodder crops: fodder millet, Sudan grass, spring triticale, Scarlet amaranth and fodder beans. The studies were carried out at the experimental field of the Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Eastern Siberia located in the forest-steppe zone of Transbaikalia. The soil of the site is meadow-chernozem mealy-carbonate, light loam by granulometric composition. The studied crops were sown at different dates to determine the degree of influence of the sowing dates on the duration of interphase periods of plant development, their linear growth, foliage and productivity: May 15 and 25, June 15 and 25. The obtained data indicate that by changing the sowing dates it is possible to influence the productivity of the studied crops and the quality of forages made on their basis. The best indicators on fodder productivity and nutritive value were demonstrated by the crops sown on June 15: yield of green mass – 18.9–30.5 t/ha, dry matter – 3.93–5.70 t/ha, yield of fodder units – 3.03–4.67 t/ha, digestible protein content – 306–901 kg/ha, gross energy – 38.12–57.57 GJ/ha, provision of 1 fodder unit with digestible protein – 93–193 g. Crops of fodder beans and Scarlet amaranth had an advantage, characterized by the following indicators: yield of green mass – 29.6–30.5 t/ha, dry matter yield – 5.70–5.95 t/ha, yield of fodder units – 4.20–4.67 t/ha, digestible protein content – 722–901 kg/ha, gross energy – 52.86–57.57 GJ/ha, provision of 1 fodder unit of digestible protein – 172–193 g. Agrocenoses of Poaceae crops (spring triticale, fodder millet, Sudan grass) were inferior in productivity: their green mass yield was 14.4 –18.9 t/ha, dry matter yield – 2.97–3.93 t/ha, yield of fodder units – 2.23–3.03 t/ha, digestible protein content – 207–341 kg/ha, gross energy – 28.51–38.12 GJ/ha, provision of 1 fodder unit with digestible protein – 93–121 g.

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR): Impact on peanut flowering, seed physical quality, and yield determination (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Peanut seed yield is influenced by physiological and ecophysiological crop traits, with changes in reproductive parameters such as flowering time, flower number, and fertility index significantly affecting productivity. Management practices like Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) could enhance crop yield. PGPR can improve flowering and yield by modulating the balance of phytohormones and enhancing reproductive processes. This study assessed PGPR effects on peanut flowering dynamics, seed yield determination, and correlation with hormone levels. Two plant-level field experiments were conducted during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021, sowing two cultivars (ASEM 400 INTA and Granoleico) on four sowing dates (Oct-05, Oct-15, Nov-29, Dec-10). Three PGPR strains (Bacillus velezensis RI3 and SC6, Pseudomonas psychrophila P10), Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and control were arranged in a split-split-split-plot design, with sowing dates as main plots, cultivars as sub-plots, and PGPRs as sub-sub-plots. PGPR improved peanut flower number (FN) and flowering rate (FR) by 20 % and 50 % compared to B. japonicum and the control. B. velezensis SC6 showed the best performance (SC6 > P10 > RI3), advancing the flowering peak by 4–12 days. PGPR also increased the fertility index (FI) to 0.31 vs. 0.24 of B. japonicum and control and pod number (PN) by 53 % compared to the control. Flowering peak advancement led to larger seeds (SF≥8 mm) (∼+8 % vs. control) due to better environmental conditions (i.e., higher temperatures). Seed number (SN) increased by 94 %–113 % under PGPR treatments. Seed yield (SY) was increased (∼75 % on average) due to higher total biomass (TB) production and improved carbon allocation to seeds (harvest index; 0.33–0.36). Hormone analysis at the R5 stage under late sowing's restrictive conditions showed hormone level increases of 15 %–90 %. This study demonstrates that PGPR significantly improves peanut flowering dynamics, seed quality, and yield by affecting hormone levels and reproductive parameters, highlighting its potential as a sustainable management practice.

Sowing Date as a Factor Affecting Soybean Yield—A Case Study in Poland

Soybean is the crop of the future, especially for countries with a high demand for food and feed protein. Therefore, soybean cultivation is moving north to countries at higher latitudes, where temperatures, photoperiodism, and rainfall distribution are not always able to meet soybean requirements. The aim of this study was to evaluate three sowing dates as a factor influencing soybean cultivars yield and seed chemical composition in agroclimatic conditions of south-western Poland. In the years 2016–2019, a field experiment was conducted in Lower Silesia region, near Wroclaw, with three sowing dates: early (mid-April), 10-day delayed (at the turn of April and May), and 20-day delayed (first half of May), and two soybean cultivars: Merlin and Lissabon. In this location, soybean sowing is recommended in mid-April, possibly at the turn of April and May. The cultivars tested differed in yield and yield component values in the years of research, but generally, the Lissabon was better suited to local conditions. Results were discussed with findings of other domestic research, to investigate the problem of the soybean sowing date in Poland. The recommended sowing date for soybean was found to vary from region to region. These differences are due to the length of the growing season in each location and the varied adaptation of cultivars to the local climatic conditions.

Groundwater irrigation is critical for adapting wheat systems to warming temperatures in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains in India

Warming temperatures are reducing wheat yields in India, and one way to reduce negative impacts is to sow wheat earlier. Yet farmers in Northeast India commonly sow wheat past the optimum time window. Previous studies have suggested this delay is driven by delays in the preceding rice growing season, which have cascading impacts on wheat sow date. It, however, remains unclear which specific rice management decisions are the most consequential for wheat sow date and what potential strategies may help advance the overall crop calendar. We used household survey data from 356 farmers in Bihar, India and structural equation modeling to identify the specific time points in the rice growing season that most impact wheat sow date. Our results suggest that late rice nursery establishment and rice harvest were associated with subsequent delays in the crop calendar. We also found that increasing groundwater irrigation access prior to the start of monsoon rains may be the most effective way to advance rice and wheat sowing. Our results provide insights into the specific time points in the crop calendar when interventions may be the most consequential, which is critical for developing interventions to help farmers adapt wheat systems to warming temperatures.

The Effects of Different Sowing Dates on the Autumn Development and Yield of Winter Wheat in Central Lithuania

Sowing date is a particularly important management option to optimize yields as it determines proper wintering and productivity. During a seven-year field experiment, the response of winter wheat to five different sowing times was studied. The beginning of the dormancy period was determined, and the Growing Degree Day (GDD) requirements for the period from sowing to emergence and from emergence to dormancy were assessed. As the sowing date was delayed, the time from sowing to emergence increased. The minimum optimum temperature during the emergence period was about 12 °C, with a heat requirement of about 125–130 GDD for earlier sowings, ensuring that winter wheat germinated successfully and properly prepared for wintering. The heat requirement for later sowings was higher and reached about 180 GDD when the average temperature of this period was about 8 °C. For the late sowing, the period from emergence to dormancy was too short, so winter wheat did not accumulate the required amount of heat, which had a significant impact on yield. The accumulated temperature from emergence to dormancy must be greater than 100 GDD. The obtained values can be applied in other regions or to choose the appropriate wheat sowing time to reduce yield losses under climate change.

Assessment of the Genotype × Environment Interaction in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes for Yield and Its Contributing Traits under Different Dates of Sowing

Assessment of the Genotype × Environment Interaction in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes for Yield and Its Contributing Traits under Different Dates of Sowing

Optimizing sowing Date for Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars in Southern Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Optimizing sowing Date for Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars in Southern Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Seasonal Occurrence of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) in Maize: The Role of Sowing Dates

Fall armyworm is a destructive insect pest in maize farming and has expanded widely throughout various agroecological zones, which threatens food security. An experiment was carried out at the Winter Nursery (ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad) field to study the occurrence of fall armyworm on maize single cross hybrid DHM 117 across different sowing dates during kharif and rabi seasons of 2021-22. Weekly observations were made on a whole-plot basis to record the number of plants damaged, the number of larvae, and egg masses per plant. Among the six sowing dates, the crop sown on 2nd August 2021, had a relatively lower mean percent of infestation range (4.02% - 80.37%), a minimum larval count per plant range (0.01 - 0.24), and the least number of egg masses per plant range (0.00 - 0.11). The findings will be helpful in the construction of forecasting models, facilitating the formulation of eco-friendly management tactics to manage fall armyworms in maize.

Impact of Weather Parameters and Time of Sowing on Severity of Powdery Mildew in Cluster Bean

Background: Powdery mildew of cluster bean causes considerable yield loss upto 50-55%. Studies carried on cluster bean powdery mildew are very few and as such there is no information related to epidemiology of the disease. Environmental factors decide the epidemic of the disease and are being used to forecast the disease severity. Methods: Five different dates of sowing of cluster bean were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications at Main Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, Dharwad. Observations on the first appearance of the disease and severity were recorded at weekly intervals using disease scoring scale 0-9 and along with pod yield were considered for statistical analysis. The weather data was used to correlate with the disease severity and correlation matrix was worked out. Further, the observations were converted to % disease index to calculate rate of infection and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) for each date of sowing. Result: Sowing of crop in first fortnight of September recorded the minimum mean disease severity of 19.10% and recorded pod yield of 4.72 t/ha with lower value of area under disease progress curve (1270.50) as against crop sown in first fortnight of November that recorded the 39.39 % of maximum mean disease severity, 3.82 t/ha pod yield and 2583.88 of area under disease progress curve. The mean maximum temperature was positively correlated (0.89) with % disease index whereas, minimum temperature (-0.87), morning relative humidity (-0.81) and evening relative humidity (-0.88) were negatively correlated with % disease index. Disease progression was started at 35 days after sowing and the maximum ‘r’ value of 0.157 was observed during the II fortnight of September followed by an ‘r’ value of 0.142 during the I fortnight of September whereas, a lower ‘r’ value of 0.009 was observed in I fortnight of September sown crop at 63-69 days after sowing.

Optimizing Soybean Cultivation in Uttarakhand's Tarai Region Using the DSSAT CROPGRO Modeling Approach

Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital oilseed crop globally, but in India, its average grain yields remain relatively low despite the presence of high-yielding varieties. This study aimed to optimize soybean cultivation in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, India, by exploring the impact of different sowing dates on crop growth and yield using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) CROPGRO model. The experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023 at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, using a split-plot design with three replications. The model was calibrated and validated for different sowing dates, and key parameters such as emergence days, physiological maturity days, grain yield, harvest index, and leaf area index were compared between simulated and observed values. During validation RMSE and R2 was 48.44 and 0.90 for grain yield, 1.10 and 0.99 for physiological maturity, 0.042 and 0.99 for harvest index and 1.14 and 0.97 for LAI respectively. The results showed that adjusting sowing dates can significantly affect soybean growth and yield, with optimal sowing times resulting in higher yields and better crop performance. Specifically, sowing on July 22nd resulted in the highest grain yield, while sowing on August 21st led to the lowest. The DSSAT CROPGRO model proved to be a valuable tool for simulating soybean growth and predicting crop outcomes under varying environmental conditions.

Yield maximization in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson) through nutrient management and optimizing sowing date

In order to maximize yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson) by optimizing sowing dates and nutrient management, a field experiment was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur, India during 3 consecutive rabi seasons (2012–13 to 2014–15). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications. The two main plot treatments comprised date of sowing (D1: IV week of October; D2: II week of November) and four sub-plot treatments comprised nutrient applications (T1: RD-N40P60K40; T2: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250; T3: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn and T4: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn + Fe). Result showed that the seed germination, seedling growth and seedling vigor index were better in D1 sowing over D2 sowing under control as well treated conditions. Chlorophyll content increased with the application of sulfur, zinc and iron during both the sowings, with greater magnitude in D2 sowing. Seed yield and its contributing factors viz. days to flowering, plant height, shoot length, leaf area; primary branches per plant, number and length of siliqua were significantly and variably affected by different nutrient combinations. Application of T3 significantly enhanced the seed and biological yield (23.13 and 74.03 q ha−1) (16.35% and 20.63%) over T1, respectively, and T3 was statistically at par with T4. T3 also provided the highest benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (2.14) and net returns (₹ 38168 ha−1). Thus, sowing of Indian mustard in the month of October and application of RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn (T3) is recommended to maximize its seed yield along with higher B:C ratio and returns under semi-arid conditions of India.

Effects of reduced tillage and prolonged cover cropping in maize on soil quality and yield

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most common arable crop on sandy soils in the Netherlands, and it is often grown for several consecutive years after temporary grassland. For the maize-growing years, reduced tillage intensity and prolonged growing period of cover crops could limit declines in soil organic matter (SOM) and soil biota while maintaining soil structure and maize yield. We measured soil parameters and maize yield in an eight-years field experiment on sandy Gleyic Podzol. Treatments included four cropping systems differing in tillage intensity but with conventional sowing dates (conventional inversion tillage (CT), non-inversion tillage (NIT), strip tillage (ST) and no-till (NT)), and two cropping systems (CT-prolonged and ST-prolonged) with prolonged growing period of a winter rye-winter pea cover crop combined with a late sown short-season maize (18 weeks growth). After eight years, we found no evidence for differences in SOM or total carbon content between the treatments. However, in the reduced-tillage treatments, SOM content was higher in the top (0–15 cm) than in the bottom (15–30 cm) of the plough layer, while in CT and CT-prolonged, this stratification was inverted. We observed differences in earthworm abundance, biomass and functional group distribution. In comparison to CT (100 %), the earthworm abundance was 153 % in NIT, 235 % in ST and 206 % in NT whereas earthworm biomass was 269 % in NIT, 325 % in ST and 475 % in NT. Epigeic earthworms were more affected by tillage than endogeic earthworms. Compared to CT, earthworm biomass was higher in CT-prolonged. The initially low earthworm population recovered during the course of the experiment independent of tillage intensity.Higher soil penetration resistance was observed in the reduced tillage systems compared to CT, independent of prolonging the cover crop. Despite the increased penetration resistance, the maize yields in NIT and ST were similar to CT. The maize yields were lower in NT, CT-prolonged and ST-prolonged compared to CT, but no differences were observed between CT-prolonged and ST-prolonged. The biomass of the harvested prolonged cover crop closed the yield gap in relation to CT in four out of six years in which cover crop biomass in CT-prolonged and ST-prolonged was quantified. Based on our results, we recommend strip tillage for continuous maize-cropping systems on Dutch sandy soils. In the case of severe compacting of compaction prone soils, we recommend conventional tillage with a prolonged cover crop and short-season maize variety.

Variations in Primary Nutrients and Sowing Dates Influence Performance of Monsoon Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Punjab, India

ABSTRACT Maize, being a nutritious and multipurpose crop requires proper nutrition (N, P, and K) and standardization of sowing time to enhance productivity and profitability under changing climate scenario. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during monsoon season of 2021 and 2022 at agricultural farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, in split plot design with four fertilizer levels (125, 100, 75, and 50% recommended dose of fertilizers; RDF) in main plots and four sowing dates (15 and 30 of June and July) in subplots, replicated thrice. Maize sown on 30 June and fertilized with 125% RDF ensured higher growth attributes throughout crop growth. Besides, comparatively greater yield attributes as well as grain yield (8.22 t ha−1), stover yield (11.86 t ha−1), and harvest index (40.9%) were observed from that treatment combination, and it also recorded higher quality protein and nutrient uptakes but less residual soil fertility. Maize grown on 30 July under application of 50% RDF was the poorest yielder. Further, production economics and energy analysis showed similar trend and indicated that maize grown on 30 June under application of 125% RDF recorded maximum gross return (₹168275 ha−1), net return (₹109565 ha−1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.87) as well as energy output (269084 MJ ha−1) and net energy gain (250750.3 MJ ha−1).

Impact of sowing date and level of phosphorus application on economic returns in cotton.

This study explored the economic dynamics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in Msilale village, Chato District, Tanzania. The experiment utilized a factorial design with sowing dates on November 25th, December 15th, and January 4th, and phosphorus levels at 0, 20, 40, and 60kg P ha-1, replicated three times. Results indicated significantly higher cotton yields (6.1t ha-1 and 6.3t ha-1) for November and December sowings compared to January (3.8t ha-1). This is a 61% and 66% increase in cotton yields for November and December sowings, respectively relative to January sowing. Though not significant, 20kg P ha-1 and 40kg P ha-1 applications yielded 5.8t ha-1 and 5.4t ha-1, respectively, while 60kg P ha-1 yielded 5.3t ha-1. This is a 9.4% and 1.9% increase in cotton yields at 20 and 40kg P ha-1, respectively relative to absolute control and 60kg P ha-1 application. Economic analysis revealed that late sowing (January) had the lowest net profit (Tshs. 3,723,400 ≈ USD 1,486) and benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of 11.2. Early sowings recorded higher net profits (Tshs. 6,679,527 ≈ USD 2,666 and Tshs. 6,861,283 ≈ USD 2,738) and BCRs (18.4 and 18.8, respectively). This is a 79% (BCR = 64%) and 84% (BCR = 68) increase in net benefits from early sowings compared to late sowing. Applications of 20, 40, and 60kg P ha-1 resulted in net benefits of Tshs. 5,452,572 ≈ USD 2,176 (BCR = 19.2), Tshs. 5,209,904 ≈ USD 2,079 (BCR = 15.1), and Tshs. 5,748,786 ≈ USD 2,294 (BCR = 14.1), respectively, with a significant (p = 0.017) BCR at 20kg P ha-1 indicating cost-effectiveness. This is a 36% and 7.1% economic benefit at 20 and 40kg P ha-1, respectively compared to 60kg P ha-1 application. Optimizing sowing dates and P levels can boost economic returns in cotton production and promote sustainability.

Promoting sustainable smallholder farming systems in China

CONTEXTHundreds of millions of smallholder farmers account for 84% of farming households globally. Owing to the limited access to knowledge and resources, smallholder farming systems under sub-optimal management are facing multiple challenges such as adverse environmental impacts and difficulties in meeting growing food demand. Although substantial advanced techniques and practices have been developed, applying these practices on the ground at a large scale remains a great challenge. OBJECTIVESThis study aims to assess the sustainability of typical soil-crop management practices in order to recommend best practice bundles. The study also deploys a farmer survey in order to identify barriers hindering the adoption of sustainable practices and propose ways to overcome these barriers. METHODSTo achieve these aims, we develop a generalizable framework combining technical innovations and social realization pathway for sustainable transformation of smallholder farming systems. We apply this framework in the North China Plain as a case study, propose target-oriented practice bundles and subsequent realization roadmaps from smallholder farmer's perspectives and interests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that nitrogen reduction has the greatest positive effect on the overall sustainability of smallholder farming systems (12–14%), followed by formula fertilizer (6–10%) and optimal crop practices (2–4%). Thus, our recommended practice bundles include reducing fertilizer inputs and optimal sowing date and rate. However, our farmer survey shows that the implementation of these recommended practices faces barriers associated with economic costs, labor requirements, and farmer's preferences and acceptance. We suggest ways to overcome these barriers, including multi-stakeholder platforms better connecting smallholders, scientists, government, and industry. SIGNIFICANCEOur framework can be amended to fit different contexts and targets, therefore it can be adopted and tweaked by other regions worldwide dominated by smallholder agriculture to promote sustainable transformation.

GGE biplot analysis for yield performance and stability assessment of carrot genotypes (Daucus carota L.) under multi-environment trials (METs)

The stability of yield and contributing traits is a very important factor for long-term development and sustainability of cultivars. The genotype x environment (G × E) interaction on the yield stability in twenty-eight genotypes of carrot was studied under eight environments E1-E8 (different sowing dates) over the two years (2019–20 and 2020–21) at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications under each environment. At each harvest, data was recorded for root yield (q acre−1), marketable yield (q acre−1), root length (cm), root weight (g), root-shoot ratio, root diameter (cm), core diameter (cm), shoot length (cm), shoot weight (g) and number of leaves plant−1. The data was analyzed with ANOVA, mixed models, BLUPs, GGE biplot and multi stability index for stability statistics. For all the traits, pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) variations between genotypes, environments and genotype by environment (G × E interaction). The mean vs. stability view of GGE biplots revealed that genotype PC-171 (G6) performed better in the months of August and September of both the years (E1, E2, E5 and E6). PC-160 (G3) followed by Cartvar-2 (G25) performed better in the month of October (E3 and E7) for the root yield parameter. Mean across the environments and BLUP values of genotypes for all the traits showed similar results. Hence, GGE biplot graphically explained the interrelationships between the tested environments and genotypes, classified genotypes into three categories early, mid or late season based on their mean performance and stability in the given growing environment.

Effects of different sowing dates on biomass allocation of various organs and allometric growth of Fagopyrum esculentum.

The sowing date plays a crucial role in influencing the growth and reproduction of plants, with its specific impact on biomass allocation and allometric growth remaining unclear. Understanding these effects is essential for optimizing agricultural practices and enhancing crop productivity. To investigate the effects of sowing dates on biomass allocation and allometric growth, a field experiment was conducted with sequential sowings of Fagopyrum esculentum from April 12th to August 11th in 2018. Biomass measurements were taken across various plant organs, and corresponding allocation calculations were made. A detailed analysis of the allometric growth relationship involving organ biomass variations was performed. The study revealed that the accumulation and allocation of organ biomass in buckwheat were significantly impacted by the sowing dates. Delayed planting led to reduced vegetative growth and increased biomass allocation towards reproduction. Allometric parameters such as exponent, constant, and individual size of buckwheat were notably affected by delayed planting. Interestingly, the allometric exponents governing the relationships between reproductive vs. vegetative biomass and belowground vs. aboveground biomass exhibited varying trends across different sowing dates. Notably, late sowings resulted in significantly higher reproductive biomass compared to early and middle sowings. These findings highlight the nuanced relationship between plant size and reproductive biomass under different sowing dates, emphasizing the critical role of planting timing in shaping mature plant sizes and reproductive outcomes. The study underscores the importance of considering sowing dates in agricultural practices to optimize plant growth and productivity.

Effect of Various Improved Technology in Wheat Production Zone of Nepal

The study was held in 2024 in the Kailari, Gauriganga, Godawari, and Dhangadhi local level of Kailali District of Nepal to evaluate and identify the factors impacting the adoption of a number of sophisticated technologies in the research area. Data were collected from 200 respondents utilizing a semi-structured interview form, using simple random selection. The factors influencing the adoption of better technologies in wheat production were identified using a logistic regression model. Age, gender, ethnicity, and area of cultivation are socioeconomic elements that have been linked to the adoption of appropriate agricultural practices, as well as training, technical advice, and membership. The adoption of seed replacement was positively significant (P&amp;lt;0.1) as a result of the training. The adoption of seed varieties was positively significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) for cultivated area. The farmers who were involved in farmer groups or Cooperative had 2.209 times higher odds for the adoption of improved seed compared to the odds for farmers who were not involved in farmer groups. Advice from the technician had a positively significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) impact on the date of sowing. The use of more frequent irrigation was positively significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) in relation to the age of the household head. The split nitrogen application was positively significantly influenced by super zone membership (P&amp;lt;0.05).

Mapping Sowing Dates of Paddy in Different Agro-Climatic Regions of Punjab using SAR Satellite Data

Mapping Sowing Dates of Paddy in Different Agro-Climatic Regions of Punjab using SAR Satellite Data

Examining the Effects of Diverse Irrigation Regimens and Planting Timelines on Wheat Growth, Yield, and Yield Characteristics

In the Rabi season spanning 2021 to 2022, a field trial was carried out on sandy loam soil. at a research station near the Center for Advanced Studies on Climate Change, Dr. RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar (India). Positioned at a latitude of 25°98' N and a longitude of 85°66' E. the experimental plot ascended to an elevation of 52.3 meters above mean sea level. The primary objective was to assess the effects of different irrigation levels and planting dates on the development, yield, and yield characteristics of wheat. The investigation included four irrigation management protocols (irrigation at 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 IW/CPE) assigned to the main plot, along with four sowing dates (15 Nov, 30 Nov, 15 Dec, and 30 Dec) allocated to the sub plot. This layout was replicated thrice in a split-plot configuration. The results indicated that the maximum values of growth factors (specifically plant height), yield factor (effective tillers/m2), and yield (both grain and straw) were observed when irrigation was administered at 1.2 IW/CPE (I4). This method, statistically comparable to irrigation at 1 IW/CPE (I3), exhibited notable superiority over the other treatments. Conversely, the minimum values of plant height, effective tillers/m2, grain yield, and straw yield were documented under the irrigation regimen of 0.6 IW/CPE (I1).