Response of irrigation scheduling with hydrogel under deficit and sufficient irrigation conditions on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) in semi-arid India

In the Gird Agroclimatic Zone at Rajamata Vijayaraj Scindia Krishi Visva Vidhyalay, Zonal Agricultural Research Station Morena, an experiment was carried out during the Rabi season of 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2015–16. Split plot design was used to set up the experiment, with three hydrogel levels assigned to each sub-plot and four watering schedules assigned to the main plots, all of which were reproduced three times. The growth and yield parameters of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) were significantly higher when irrigation was scheduled at 0.8 IW/CPE. These attributes were plant height, number of primary branches plant-1, number of siliquae plant-1, number of seeds siliqua-1, and seed yield (1803 kg ha-1). In a similar vein, the irrigation schedule at 0.8 IW/CPE across the remaining treatments resulted in better oil yield (781.8 kg ha-1), financial returns, production efficiency (15.1 kg ha-1day-1), and B:C Ratio. When compared to the other treatments, the irrigation schedule with rainfed (no irrigation) had the highest water use efficiency (8.5 kgha-cm). As the hydrogel level was increased to 5.0 kg ha-1, growth metrics, yield attributes, seed yield, and oil production all improved. Higher production efficiency (14.3 kg ha-1 day-1) and water use efficiency (9.5 kg/ha-cm) were also brought about by the increased yield with 5.0 kg ha-1 hydrogel.