Influence of Irrigation Schedules on Economics of Winter Wheat in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

This research was aimed to investigate the influence of irrigation schedules on the economic return of winter wheat during the Rabi season of years 2020-21 and 2021-22 for two consecutive years in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by limiting soil water conditions, climatological factors and factors of energy balance. Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by limiting soil water conditions; the maximum cost of wheat production 46702.14 Rs/ha was found with 396 mm of total water applied at irrigation level 0 % soil moisture depletion and maximum benefit cost ratio 1.93 was found with 316.8 mm of total water applied at irrigation level 20 % soil moisture depletion, while a minimum benefit cost ratio 1.30 was found with 79.2 mm of total water applied at irrigation level 80% soil moisture depletion. Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by climatological factors, the maximum cost of wheat production 46702.14 Rs/ha was found with 396 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (IW/CPE=1.75) and maximum benefit cost ratio 2.07 was found with 330 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (IW/CPE=1.5) while minimum benefit cost ratio 1.44 was found with 132 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (IW/CPE= 0.50). Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by factors of energy balance, the maximum cost of wheat production 50306.08 Rs/ha was found with 528 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (EB=0.50) and maximum benefit cost ratio 2.19 was found with 396 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (EB=0.75) while the minimum benefit cost ratio 1.72 was found with 198 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (EB=1.75). Total water applied and B:C ratio of wheat as influenced by limiting soil water conditions, climatological factors and factors of energy balance showed a quadratic relationship R2=0.90, 0.85, and 0.65, respectively.