12. Effect of irrigation levels and planting methods on phenology, growth, biomass and harvest index of spring Wheat under semiarid condition
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Abstract
In the globally changing scenario of water crises, efficient use of water is needed. Bed planting is one of the approaches to increase water use efficiency and crop productivity. The objective of this research study was to investigate impact of irrigation levels (I2 = 2 Irrigations, I3 = 3 Irrigations, I4 = 4 Irrigations, and I5 = 5 Irrigations) and planting bed-systems (P1 = Flat planting in rows, and P2 = Flat planting 3rd row skip, P3 = Bed planting broadcast on beds, and P4 = Bed planting 3 rows on beds) on phenological development, growth, biomass and harvest index of wheat (cv. Fakhri-e-Sarhad). The field research was carried out at the Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar for two consecutive years during 2001-02 (year one) and 2002-03 (year two). The experiment was designed in randomized complete block with split plot arrangements. Days to maturity and plant height showed no significant response to water levels and bed systems. Days to anthesis, tillers m-2, leaf area index, biomass yield and harvest index were significantly affected by planting methods and irrigation levels. Flat sowing produced more tillers m-2 while three rows on beds produced maximum harvest index and biomass yield. The plot irrigated five times produced more tillers m-2, biomass yield and harvest index.
Keywords: Planting methods; Irrigation; Days to anthesis; Days to maturity; Plant height; Number of tillers; Leaf area index; Biomass yield; Harvest index