Effects of deficit irrigation on yield, water productivity and economic return of sunflower

Field experiments were conducted at two locations (one at normal soil, BARI Gazipur and another at saline soil, ARS, Benarpota, Satkhira) during two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) to study the effects of deficit irrigation (DI) on yield, water productivity and economics on sunflower production. Design was RCB and irrigation treatments were: FI-100 (T1), DI-80 (T2) and DI-60 (T3) at vegetative, pre-flowering and heading stages, FI-100 (T4), DI-80 (T5) and DI-60 (T6) at vegetative and pre-flowering stages, and FI-100 (T7), DI-80 (T8) and DI-60 (T9) at vegetative and heading stages. Results indicated that DI treatments significantly reduced plant growth parameters (canopy coverage, and biomass except root length density), yield attributes and seed yield compared to full irrigation (FI) (T1). Pre-flowering stage was the critical stage to DI. DI-60 at vegetative and pre-flowering stages (T6) produced 2.18 and 2.53 t ha−1 seed yields by saving 68.15 and 54.75% water at normal and at saline soil. This treatment (T6) also gave the highest water productivity, irrigation water productivity, and net financial return. The results will be helpful for taking policy decision regarding efficient irrigation and water management under prevailing water scarce situation