Optimising the irrigation water requirement of cassava

Abstract

A two year study was undertaken at the'Agronomic Research Station, Chalakudy during 1982-'83 and 1983-'84 to formulate a suitable water management schedule which optimises the irrigation water requirement of cassava planted during November- December months. Tha trial consisted of 12 irrigation treatments (unirrigated and irrigated at 75 mm and 100mm CPE, through all furrows and alternate furrows and with varying quantities of irrigation water (Recommended (50 mm) and its 3/4 and 1/2 depths) in different combinations. Two treatments having the added advantages of economy in water and labour viz., (i) All furrow irrigation with 1 /2 water (25 mm) at 100 mm CPE and (ii) Alternate furrow irrigation alternatively with 25 mm water at 75 mm CPE were identified, the first schedule approximately requires seven irrigations at an interval of 27 days whereas thjsacond schedule requires nine irrigations at an interval of 20 days.