Sure, here is an article on water management of pea crop information:
Water Management for Pea Crop:
Peas are a cool-season crop that requires moist soil during its early growth stages. Proper water management is essential to ensure a healthy yield. Water management starts with soil preparation before planting. It is important to properly grade the field to ensure that water flows away from the plants and towards the soil. In addition, the soil must be well-drained and have a good water holding capacity.
Irrigation:
Peas require regular moisture during the growing season. Irrigation systems should be installed before planting to ensure that water is applied uniformly. During the early growth stages, irrigation should be applied frequently to ensure that the soil remains moist. After flowering, water demand decreases, and irrigation can be reduced. However, it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out.
Mulching:
Mulching is the process of covering the soil surface around the pea plants with a layer of organic material. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and reduces water loss due to evaporation. In addition, mulch can suppress weed growth, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil structure. Organic materials such as straw, leaves, or compost can be used as mulch. Mulch should be applied after planting and should be thick enough to suppress weed growth.
Crop stage:
Peas require the highest amount of water during the seedling stage, followed by vegetative growth stage, flowering stage, and pod filling stage. During the pod-filling stage, water use declines as the plants slow down the growth rate. Thus, water management should be adjusted based on the crop stage.
Soil Moisture Monitoring:
Soil moisture monitoring is essential for effective water management of the pea crop. Farmers can use soil moisture meters or tensiometers to monitor soil moisture levels. Soil moisture meters measure soil moisture content, while tensiometers measure soil water tension. These devices help farmers to determine when to irrigate and when to hold back.
Conclusion:
Water management is an important aspect of pea crop production. Proper irrigation, mulching, monitoring soil moisture, and adapting irrigation based on crop stage are essential for healthy plant growth and yield. By following these practices, farmers can ensure the optimal growth of their pea crops and maximize their harvest.