Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Irrigation Frequency on Wheat Yields

Abstract

The relationship between wheat yields and irrigation frequency was studied in a set of field experiments. Experimental plots were irrigated at intervals that ranged from two days to four weeks. The amounts of water applied ranged from zero to 100% of the full water requirement. The most significant findings of the present research are: (1) High frequency irrigation did not increase yields under full irrigation, nor did it mitigate the effects of deficit irrigation. The highest yields were attained with a relatively long irrigation interval of two weeks; (2) low irrigation frequencies did not further reduce yields under deficit irrigation. The highest water‐use efficiencies were achieved with irrigation intervals of four weeks.