Development of growth-stage specific crop coefficient for drip irrigated wheat crop grown in climatic conditions of Jalandhar, Punjab

The crop coefficient (Kc) values given in FAO-56 report need to corrected for local conditions due to differences in climate, soil types, and water management practices. Therefore, present study was undertaken to develop growth-stage-specific Kc values of wheat grown under drip irrigated conditions for two years (2022-23 and 2023-24) at Jalandhar, Punjab. The developed Kc values are 0.36, 0.77, 1.05, 0.69, and 0.25 during initial, development, mid, late, and end growth stages, respectively. These average Kc values can be effectively utilized to schedule irrigation for drip-irrigated wheat crops in the Jalandhar region of Punjab. Irrigating wheat crop under drip irrigation with developed Kc values not only enhances grain yield by 36% but also improves IWUE by three times and saves 61% use of irrigation water as compared to conventional irrigation practices (flood irrigation).