CROP COEFFICIENTS AND ACTUAL EVAPO-TRANSPIRATION OF GRAM (CICER-ARIETINUM) GROWN IN LYSIMETER

A rainfed experiment was conducted during 1988-89 to 1993-94 to study the evapo-transpiration (ET) loss, identify the peak periods of consum ption of water and the critical period of life-saving irrigation in gr am or chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) grown in a lysimeter. Weekly crop- coefficient values and evapo-transpiration. Pan evaporation (PE) ratio s were also calculated. The mean seasonal evapo-transpiration of the c rop was 185 mm. The BT : Eo ratio and Kc values increased with increas e in crop growth and reached a maximum during 36-70 days of the crop g rowth, which was the critical period for water demand that decreased a s the crop approached maturity. The most critical period for water dem and was flowering stage. The mean moisture-use efficiency was 3.3 kg/h a/mm under rainfed condition.