Estimation of Crop Water Requirement of Kharif Rice Over Ribhoi District of Meghalaya

Author: Evakordor Jyrwa, A.S Nain and Jonali Goswami

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Abstract

In response to increasing global demands on our water resources, our study addresses the need to develop effective strategies for managing and planning irrigated farmland. We focus on accurately estimating crop water requirements using modeling. The distinctive rice-growing region of Meghalaya offers a diverse range of climates, from the heights of hilly terrain to the depths of flooded fields and this diversity creates challenges, especially when the rain is unpredictable. The purpose of this study is to calculate crop water requirements and irrigation requirements for rice crops in the Ri-bhoi district of Meghalaya. Employing the CROPWAT 8.0 model, the study calculated the crop water and irrigation requirements for Kharif rice in Ri-bhoi district. The results show that the total crop water requirement for rice throughout the growing season amounted to 504.4 mm/dec, while the irrigation requirement was 650.2 mm/dec. Because of the low effective rainfall in this region in 2022, irrigation needs for rice crops are high. The reference crop evapotranspiration in the district ranged from 2.29 mm/day to 4.53 mm/day. As predicted by the model, yields will not decrease at any growth stage with maximum rainfall efficiency. In which, the rainfall efficiency was 100% with an effective rainfall of 51mm during the growing season. This research thus offers valuable insights for enhancing water management strategies in agriculture.

Keywords

CROPWAT model, Rice, Crop water requirements, reference evapotranspiration, net irrigation requirements

Conclusion

This study reveals significant variations in the monthly crop water requirement and irrigation needs of rice in the Ri-bhoi district. During the growing season, rice was found to require 504.4 mm/dec of water, while the irrigation demand stood at 650.2 mm/dec. Because of the low effective rainfall in this region in 2022, irrigation needs for rice crops are high. If the effective rainfall is high, there will be adequate moisture in the soil to meet the crop's water needs through efficient water use, which enables irrigation water savings. This district has the main disadvantage of being predominantly dependent on rainfall for irrigation. The possibility of moisture stress on the plant will increase in a district with low effective rainfall and no irrigation system. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution and dynamics of rice cultivation in the state is crucial for addressing issues related to food demand and water scarcity. Using this model, we can apply the irrigation demands of a specific crop, thereby saving irrigation water, and we can identify the rice crop distribution over a district using GIS.

References

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How to cite this article

Evakordor Jyrwa, A.S Nain and Jonali Goswami (2023). Estimation of Crop Water Requirement of Kharif Rice Over Ribhoi District of Meghalaya. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 749-754.