AllRounder.ai
Chapters in this course

Enrol to start learning

Reading is open to everyone. Enrolling is free, and it is what unlocks the audio lessons, practice tests and progress tracking.

Enrol free

37. Water Requirement of Crops – Crops and Crop Seasons in India

Water is a crucial resource for agricultural production, especially in a country like India where it plays a significant role in irrigation and crop planning. Understanding crop water requirements, seasonal cropping patterns, and methods for estimating irrigation needs is essential for sustainable agricultural practices. This knowledge helps in optimizing water use efficiency and improving crop yield.

Sections

Water Requirement of Crops – Crops and Crop Seasons in India

This section discusses the water requirements of various crops in India, emphasizing the significance of water management in agriculture.

37 Section Overview

Start current section content and materials

37.1 Crop Water Requirement (WR)

Crop Water Requirement (WR) refers to the total water needed by crops throughout their growth period, influenced by various climatic, crop, soil, and agronomic factors.

37.2 Components of Water Requirement

This section outlines the essential components that constitute the water requirement for crops, crucial for effective agricultural management.

37.3 Evapotranspiration (ET)

Evapotranspiration (ET) encompasses the total water loss from evaporation and transpiration, influencing agricultural water management.

37.4 Methods for Estimating Water Requirement

This section outlines the primary methods used for estimating the water requirements of crops, specifically focusing on the Blaney-Criddle, Penman-Monteith, and FAO Modified Penman methods.

37.5 Duty, Delta, and Base Period

This section introduces the concepts of duty, delta, and base period, which are essential for understanding irrigation requirements in agriculture.

37.6 Irrigation Requirement (IR)

Irrigation Requirement (IR) is the total quantity of water that needs to be supplied through irrigation to meet the Crop Water Requirement (WR).

37.7 Effective Rainfall (ER)

Effective Rainfall (ER) represents the portion of rainfall that is beneficial for crops, excluding losses due to runoff and deep percolation.

37.8 Cropping Seasons in India

India experiences three main cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid, each characterized by specific crops and climatic conditions.

37.9 Classification of Crops Based on Water Needs

This section classifies crops based on their water requirements, highlighting specific examples of crops that fall into high, moderate, and low water needs categories.

37.10 Crop Coefficient (Kc)

The crop coefficient (Kc) is a dimensionless factor that quantifies the relationship between a specific crop's evapotranspiration and reference evapotranspiration.

37.11 Root Zone Depth and Soil Moisture Depletion

Different crops have varying root zone depths, and water should be applied when soil moisture depletion reaches the allowable limit to prevent stress.

37.12 Cropping Pattern and Water Allocation

This section discusses cropping patterns, emphasizing the yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops and the crucial aspects of water allocation.

37.13 Command Area Development (CAD) and Crop Planning

This section emphasizes the importance of aligning irrigation supply with crop requirements and planning to enhance water-use efficiency in agriculture.

37.14 Water Use Efficiency (WUE)

Water Use Efficiency (WUE) indicates how effectively water is utilized for crop yield.

37.15 Special Case: Paddy Fields

Paddy fields require specific irrigation practices due to the unique water requirements of rice plants.

37.16 Modern Techniques to Reduce Water Requirement

This section explores innovative methods to decrease water usage in agriculture, crucial for enhancing water efficiency.

Learning Objectives

  • Water requirement for crops is influenced by various climatic, crop, and soil factors.

  • Different crops have varying water needs and root zone depths, which should be considered in irrigation planning.

  • Modern techniques and proper planning can significantly enhance water-use efficiency in agriculture.

Key Concepts

Crop Water Requirement (WR)

The total quantity of water required by a crop during its entire growth period.

Evapotranspiration (ET)

The sum of evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration by the plants.

Duty, Delta, and Base Period

Key components in irrigation management that relate water application to the area irrigated and crop needs.

Water Use Efficiency (WUE)

The ratio of crop yield to the amount of water used, indicating how effectively water is utilized in crop production.

Effective Rainfall (ER)

The portion of rainfall that is usable by crops, excluding losses due to runoff and deep percolation.

Practice Exercises

Total Questions

2

Estimated Time

4 min

Passing Score

70%

Instructions

  • Read each question carefully
  • You can use hints if you need help
  • Complete all questions before submitting

2 more questions available

Enrol free