Determination of Crop Coefficient and Water Requirement of Okra Crop by using Lysimeter for Parbhani District, Maharashtra.

Water is a finite and vital resource, making its efficient utilization particularly critical in irrigation, especially during the summer months when water scarcity is most acute. Summer okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a key vegetable crop in India, depends on precise irrigation scheduling to ensure optimal yields. To address this need, a field experiment was conducted over the summer seasons of 2023 and 2024 at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, situated in the semi-arid Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India. The study utilized a weighing-type lysimeter to estimate crop coefficient (Kc) values for okra, which are crucial for determining accurate irrigation schedules. In 2023, the Kc values for the okra crop were recorded as follows across different growth stages: initial stage (12 to 14 MW) – 0.63, development stage (15 to 18 MW) – 1.05, mid-season stage (19 to 23 MW) – 1.42, and late season stage (24 to 26 MW) – 0.76. In 2024, the Kc values were slightly different: initial stage (13 to 15 MW) – 0.60, development stage (16 to 19 MW) – 0.99, mid-season stage (20 to 24 MW) – 1.33, and late season stage (25 to 26 MW) – 0.75. The seasonal water requirement for okra was calculated to be 579.18 mm in 2023 and 529.38 mm in 2024.These Kc estimates provide valuable insights for optimizing irrigation management, facilitating more accurate water demand predictions and resource planning. The study's findings contribute to improving water use efficiency in the Marathwada region, where conserving water is vital for sustainable agricultural practices.