Climatic potential for crop production at some stations in arid zone of India

Abstract

West Rajasthan and adjoining part or Gujarat come under the arid zone or India. The climatic features of this area with particular reference to rainfall and potential evapotranspiration are described. The main emphasis, in the paper has been given on short period rainfall analysis, moisture availability index and estimated soil moisture. Computations have been made for three stations in the arid zone, one station in semi-arid zone and two stations of intermediate type. By fitting Incomplete Gamma Distribution, weekly minimum assured rainfall has been computed at different probability levels. The values so obtained for 30% and 50% probability levels have been compared with the weekly rainfall average and the computed potential evapotranspiration. The weekly moisture availability index has been computed on the basis of minimum assured rainfall at 50% probability level. Weekly soil moisture has been estimated by water balance technique. On the basis of these factors, possible crop growing season has been indicated.