Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Furrow Methods on Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat at Ambo, Ethiopia

Abstract

Water is an essential component for global development. It plays a crucial role in various aspects of life. However, due to rising demand, it is becoming a scarce resource. To meet future water scarcity, the most optimal possible allocation, increased crop and water productivity (WP), and improved irrigation water management are needed. Applying furrow irrigation and deficit irrigation are essential alternatives for improving agricultural water use efficiency in areas with limited water resources. This study attempted to evaluate the effects of furrow irrigation methods and deficit irrigation levels on wheat production and water productivity. A Randomized Complete Block Design was used to arrange the experimental unit, and a pair of factors with three furrow irrigation methods (Alternate, Fixed and Conventional) and three deficit irrigation application levels (100%, 80%, and 60% ETc) with three replications were employed. A free statistical software R 4.3.1 was used to analyze the collected data. The results of the analysis on grain yield, yield component, water productivity and growth parameters indicate that there is a significant difference (p<0.05) in the furrow irrigation method and deficit irrigation levels. The interaction effect of deficit irrigation levels and irrigation method was non-significant. Different irrigation levels had a significant (p<0.05) impact on plant height. The reduction of irrigation level from 100% ETc to 60% ETc resulted in 4.0% decrease. The control treatment of (100% ETc) yielded the maximum grain production of (4531.25 kg/ha) and has no significant differences with irrigation applications of 80 % ETc treatment. The lowest grain production of (2543.75 kg/h) was recorded at 60% ETc application. The alternate furrow method yielded a maximum water productivity of 2.13 kg/m3 which was statistically higher than conventional and fixed furrow systems at (p<0.05). Using the conventional furrow, the lowest water productivity of 1.11 kg/m3 was obtained. The maximum yield response factor of 0.51 was obtained for 60% ETc with FFI that means sensitive to the water deficit level. The interaction effect of deficit irrigation and furrow irrigation method on yield and water productivity of wheat was not significant at (p< 0.05). Application of alternate furrow irrigation method and 80% ETc can improve water efficiency by saving 60% of water applied under conventional irrigation methods which is sufficient to irrigate 1.5-hectare additional wheat cropped land. Therefore, considering the maximum water productivity and water saved, non significant yield reduction from full application of water and the economic benefit gained 80% ETc and AFI methods are recommended for our study area.