Yield and water use efficiency of cauliflower under varying irrigation frequencies and water application methods in Lower Gangetic Plain of India

A field study (1999–2000 to 2001–2002) was carried out to optimize the irrigation frequency and suitable water application methods for cauliflower with a view to increase curd yield (CY) and water use efficiency (WUE). Check Basin (CB), Each Furrow (EF) and Alternate Furrow (AF) methods were tested with three irrigation frequencies depending on the attainment of soil matric potential (Ψm) value at 0.2 m depth as: −0.03 MPa (F1), −0.05 MPa (F2) and −0.07 MPa (F3). Maximum CY was recorded under F1 and decreased by 10.4 and 31.4%, respectively under F2 and F3 frequencies. In contrast, WUE decreased by 9.3% from F3 to F1. Highest CY and WUE obtained under CB followed by EF and AF methods. Furrow application methods saved 12–24% irrigation water over CB method. Maximum soil water stress coefficient (Ks) recorded at curd development stage in comparison to other stages. Both seasonal evapotranspiration (ETa) and yield–moisture stress index (Kys) recorded positive linear relationships with CY. Present study shows a crop response factor of 0.822 for cauliflower. In this region, cauliflower should be irrigated with check basin method at an interval of 8–10 days.