Irrigation requirements of cotton at different agroclimatic regions of the country

Abstract

Studies were made to find out the irrigation requirements of different varieties of cotton grown at six locations situated in different agroclimatic regions of the country.  It is found that there is a considerable variation of irrigation requirements at different growth stages of the crop and also among the varieties cultivated at different regions. In general, the crop requires maximum irrigation either at flowering or boll formation stages.  The study reveals that more irrigation is required for the crop grown at Bellary (54.2-56.2 cm), Anand (45.4-63.4 cm) and Kovilpatti (41.0-63.4 cm) compared to that at Akola (15.0-47.3 cm) and Coimbatore (16.9-36.4 cm).  Irrigation timing differs considerably due to high degree of variability of rainfall in different regions. Based on probability of rainfall at 70% level, irrigation requirements of cotton has been computed. Specific guidelines are generated to utilise the information for irrigation scheduling of cotton operationally through Agromet Advisory Service.