Phenology-Based Irrigation Management in Guava Orchards

In a three-year study on guava cultivation (variety Arka Mridula) utilizing a Randomized Block Design with five replications, irrigation scheduled to meet 60% evaporation during both vegetative and reproductive phases demonstrated superior outcomes. This approach resulted in higher mean fruit weight (104.5g), increased productivity (29.84 t/ha), and consistent water use efficiency (11.86 kg/m3), saving 24% of irrigation water. Despite observing a higher fruit number (524/plant/year) when irrigation met 80% of the evaporation rate, the treatment with 60% evaporation replenishment showcased equally commendable returns—Rs.8,31,788/ha and Rs.5,55,731/ha for gross and net returns, respectively. Furthermore, this strategy recorded a higher benefit-cost ratio of 3.01, emphasizing its economic efficiency in guava cultivation compared to the marginally superior returns associated with the 80% evaporation scheduling.