Effect of irrigation, sowing methods and phosphorus in lucerne (Medicago sativa)

A field experiment conducted on loamy sand soil during 1992-94 at Sardar Kr ushinagar revealed that green fodder yield of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and consumptive use of water (CU) increased with the increase in irrigation levels from IW : CPE ratio of 0.75 to 1.25. A reverse trend was observed i n case of water use efficiency (WUE). Moisture extraction decreased with th e increase in soil depth. Highest extraction of moisture 0-45 cm was observ ed under IW : CPE ratio of 1.25. Line sowing at 25 cm recorded numerically higher values of yield, CU and WUE. Green fodder yield, CU and WUE increase d with increase in P levels from 60 to 120 kg P2O5/ha.