Machungo C, Wanjogu R.K, Owilla, B , Njoka, J.J Anzwa, M. Effects of Bed and Furrow Irrigation System on the Growth, Production and Water use Efficiency of Lowland Rice Machungo C, Wanjogu R.K, Owilla, B , Njoka, J.J Anzwa, M. NIB RESEARCH WORKSHOP 13th & 14th June

INTRODUCTION Water shortage in has necessitated the development of efficient water use methods for growing major crops. In traditional agronomic and water use practices (Irrigated puddled paddy fields), the farmers apply much more water for paddy crop than the actual requirements.

INTRODUCTION Growing paddy on beds and furrows is an alternate, which utilizes much less water. In Pakistan water efficiency of rice under bed and furrow systems increased to 0.39 kg/m3 of water compared to 0.20 kg/m3commonly obtained under the traditional flood irrigation method

Rice seedlings transplanted on beds and furrows

Rice paddy growing on beds and furrows

OBJECTIVE Determine the effects of bed and furrow irrigation system on growth, production and water use efficiency of lowland rice.

Specific Objectives Determine the effect of bed and furrow irrigation system on growth and yield of lowland rice Determine the WUE of the bed and furrow irrigation system for lowland rice Optimize the design of bed and furrow method of irrigation to maximize, water saving and crop yield

Treatments Description (Bed & Furrow Configuration) Number of rows T1 Bed 75cm and furrow 75 cm with depth of 20 cm Four rows on bed T2 Bed 75 cm and furrow of 38 cm with depth of 20 cm T3 Bed 75cm and furrow 38 cm with depth of 20 cm Two rows on bed Two rows on middle furrows T4 Rice: Flooded Basin: Traditional transplanting on puddled soil (Control)

METHODOLOGY Varieties NERICA 4, Bas 370 and IR 2793 Factorial Experiment Split plot RCBD Design Main plot Variety – Sub plot Spacing – Sub- sub plot Factor Crop Management- As per recommended practice

Data Collection Growth Plant height Tiller counts Yield parameters Tiller counts at harvest – PT, NPT & TT Panicle data- FG, SG, TG & Sterility 1000 grain weight Yield Kg/Ha 28, 42, 56 , 70 & 84DAS

Data Collection Weeds Total, Grass, Broadleaf, Sedges Volume of water delivered to each plot/irrigation Rate of infiltration Rainfall data Depth of water

RESULTS

NERICA 4

BASMATI 370

BASMATI 370

IR 2793

IR 2793

NERICA 4

BASMATI 370

NERICA 4

BASMAI 370

IR 2793

IR 2793

BASMATI 370

IR 2793

NERICA 4

BASMATI 370

IR 2793

CONCLUSION The irrigation method did not have a significant effect on growth measured height and number of tillers over time. Weed density was significantly higher in the bed and furrow systems compared to the basin Crop water use efficiency higher in the bed furrow system vs. the basin.

CONCLUSION The yields did not differ significantly between the f bed furrow system and the basin for the lowland varieties (Basmati 370 & IR2793. The bed furrow systems evaluated did not show significant differences for most parameters evaluated.

CONCLUSION To overcome the scarcity of irrigation water and generate higher crop yield, the bed and furrow method could be recommended for paddy cultivation

CONCLUSION However, more field investigations are required To refine to the configurations of bed and furrows and rice planting system To quantify amount of water saved Cost benefit analysis – Establish benefits of Bed and furrow system vs Basin.

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