Consumptive use, pattern of soil moisture extraction and water use efficiency of bittergourd (Momordica Charantia L.) under varying irrigation and nitrogen levels

Abstract

The influence of graded doses of nitrogen and varying levels of irrigation on consumptive use of water, paltern of soil moisture extraction, water use efficiency and f r u i t yield of biltergourd were evaluated during 1988-89 and 1989-90. The consumptive use of water and lit/Eo values of bittergourd increased progressively with levels of nitrogen and irrigation. At higher moisture regimes the variation in consumptive use and Ht/Eo values did not reflect in crop yield. Wale ruse efficiency of the crop maintained a positive relation with levels of nitrogen and a negative relation with levels of irrigation. The soil moisture extraction paltern was not influenced by nitrogen levels. Major part of water was extracted from upper layers of soil irrespective of treatments.