Sk. Kaushik et K. Lal, Effect of water-harvesting techniques on productivity and water-use efficiency of rainy-season crops, I J AGRON, 43(4), 1998, pp. 747-750
A field experiment was conducted during 1990 and 1991 to study the effect o
f different water-harvesting techniques on productivity and water-use effic
iency of rainy-season (kharif) crops. Water-harvesting techniques caused si
gnificant variation in yield, moisture use and moisture-use efficiency only
in 1991. Bed and furrow-planting system recorded maximum grain yield (12.4
6 q/ha) and highest monetary returns (Rs 3,370/ha). This treatment also sho
wed maximum moisture use (390.2 mm) as well as highest moisture-use efficie
ncy (Rs 8.38/mm-ha). Crops varied significantly in respect of yield, moistu
re use and moisture-use efficiency in both the years. Pearlmillet [Penniset
um glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz] recorded the highest grain yield (23.
48 q/ha) and maximum net returns (Rs 3,509/ha). Castor (Ricinus communis L.
) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] utilized maximum soil moisture
, but moisture-use efficiency was significantly higher under pearl millet.