Crop Water Stress Index for Scheduling Irrigation of Wheat Crop
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 3
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the relationship between canopy air temperature difference and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in wheat crops under normal or nonstressfull conditions. The treatments were undertaken on five plots, having randomized block design (RBD), each maintained at different levels of soil moisture having full irrigation; no irrigation; and 10%, 30%, and 50% soil moisture. Then canopy air temperature difference was regressed against VPD to generate non-water stress and maximum water stress baselines, and the crop water stress index (CWSI) was computed using empirical approach-baseline methods at different soil moisture deficits. It was found that irrigation treatment at 30% soil moisture deficit yielded the maximum water use efficiency. The canopy air temperature difference and VPD resulted in linear relationships, and the slope () and intercept () for lower baseline of preheading and postheading stages of wheat crop were found as , ; and , , for the crop season of 2018–2019. Similarly, the non-water stress baseline equation in the season of 2019–2020 had , ; and , for preflowering and postflowering stages of wheat, respectively. The CWSI was determined by using the developed empirical equations for three irrigation schedules of different maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of available soil water (ASW). The developed CWSI may have the potential to improve irrigation scheduling of wheat in India.
Practical Applications
The study shows practical applications for enhancing wheat cultivation under varying soil moisture conditions. First, it recommends irrigating at 30% soil moisture deficit to maximize water use efficiency, aiding farmers in balancing crop yield and water conservation. Second, established relationships between canopy air temperature difference and VPD allow for the assessment of water stress. By utilizing regression equations, farmers can estimate the CWSI across soil moisture levels, guiding irrigation scheduling during critical growth stages. Third, the developed empirical equations enable real-time prediction of water stress. Monitoring the canopy air temperature difference and VPD offers insights into plant health, helping with informed decisions on irrigation and fertilization. Last, the findings are relevant for water-scarce regions like India, where tailored CWSI equations can be integrated into irrigation systems, promoting sustainable practices under a changing climate. This study may help farmers with practical tools for water-efficient wheat cultivation, fostering informed choices for sustainable agriculture, particularly in water-scarce regions.
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Data Availability Statement
The data generated or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful to Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee for providing necessary facility and financial support in the Grant Code MES-1023-CED.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 150 • Issue 3 • June 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 7, 2022
Accepted: Dec 8, 2023
Published online: Mar 22, 2024
Published in print: Jun 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Aug 22, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Agriculture
- Air temperature
- Canopies
- Crops
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Irrigation
- Irrigation engineering
- Pollution
- Roofs
- Soil mechanics
- Soil pollution
- Soil properties
- Soil treatment
- Soil water
- Structural engineering
- Structural systems
- Temperature (by type)
- Thermal properties
- Thermodynamics
- Water and water resources
- Water treatment
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