Irrigation Management Details for Bengal Gram Crop
Bengal Gram, also known as chickpea, is a versatile crop that is grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is an important legume crop and has numerous benefits. It is a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, and is used for human consumption or animal feed. With the demand for Bengal Gram increasing, it is essential to have proper irrigation management methods for a high yield and quality crop.
Soil and Water Requirements:
Before discussing irrigation management, it is essential to know about the soil and water requirements of Bengal Gram. Trichodesma indicum, the companion crop, can be grown with Bengal Gram to fetch more benefit.
Bengal Gram crop requires well-drained soils with good texture, moderate to high soil fertility, and a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Soil testing is critical for deciding on any additional fertilization. The better the soil quality, the more prolific the crop will be.
Bengal Gram is a moderate-water regional crop with a water requirement of 400 – 600 mm. The critical growth stages of chickpeas are germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and seed development, and the greatest yield of Bengal Gram is associated with the latter two stages as they require higher water. The growing conditions of Bengal Gram are also optimal when the temperature ranges from 18-25 degrees Celcius.
Irrigation Management:
Proper irrigation management is critical for growing Bengal Gram crop. Irrigating the Bengal Gram crop at the right time, with the right amount of water, plays a significant role in crop yield, seed quality, and disease control. Farmers should avoid heavy irrigation initially, whereas light irrigation is necessary to initiate germination.
The most common type of irrigation in Bengal Gram is drip irrigation, where water is delivered directly to the plant’s root system. This kind of irrigation works best for soil that doesn’t retain water well. Drip irrigation also assists in conserving water, which is essential in regions where water is scarce.
The chickpea plant also benefits from a steady water supply throughout the growing season. Irrigation should be delivered every seven to ten days, ensuring that the plant is watered thoroughly. After the pod setting stage, it is crucial to keep the soil reasonably moist, as water deficits can have a significant impact on yields.
New developments such as precision agriculture also help Bengal Gram farmers to be able to monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels in soil and can help those farmers to make informed decisions.
Conclusion:
Irrigation is crucial to Bengal Gram production, and irrigation management may help in maximizing crop yields, control disease, and maintain seed quality. Multiple factors such as soil, water, and weather affect a good harvest. Bengal Gram performs best when the soil is treated optimally with water, nutrients, and yield potential. Hence, proper irrigation management and use of newer technologies are key to achieving these results.