Author(s): M. SINGH AND A. SINGH BHATI

Abstract: Drip and furrow irrigation has been related to higher productivity and water saving in cotton, however, the comparison of these systems for the nutrients application and use efficiency are required to be studied. Field experiments were conducted in a semi-arid environment in 2007, 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the drip irrigation for water and nutrients application in cotton. The three seasons varied greatly in amount and distribution of rainfall, which resulted in differential response of seed cotton yield to irrigation levels. During 2007, irrigation applied at 0.6 ETc (Crop evapo-transpiration) produced lowest seed cotton yield, while in 2009, all drip irrigation levels (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 ETc) were at par with each other but recorded higher seed cotton yield than furrow irrigation. Evenly distributed rainfall in 2008 nullified the effect of irrigation treatments on seed cotton yield, however, water use efficiency was found to be higher in 0.6 ETc drip irrigation level in 2008 and 2009; and at 0.8 ETc drip irrigation level in 2007. Irrigation levels also influenced the nutrient use efficiency, with lowest efficiency recorded under furrow irrigation. Fertilizer applied through drip irrigation resulted in similar yields with 25 % lesser application of fertilizer.

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