Influence of irrigation frequencies and phosphate fertilization on actual evapotranspiration rate, yield and water use pattern of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The hypothesis was tested, whether soil wetness and phosphorus status could regulate the evapotranspiration rate (ETR), which is of special interest in the lower Gangetic Plain. Rajmash was grown during November–February of 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 on a sandy loam soil, and was irrigated when cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) attained the value of 33 mm (CPE33); 44 mm (CPE44) and 66 mm (CPE66). Four levels of phosphate application were 0 kg P2O5 ha−1 (P0); 30 kg P2O5 ha−1 (P30); 60 kg P2O5 ha−1 (P60) and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 (P90). Seed yield under CPE33 was 1.37 Mg ha−1 and reduced by 18% and 35%, respectively under CPE44 and CPE66. Continuous increasing trend in yield was recorded with an increase in phosphate level (PL). Irrespective of growth stages, similar trends were recorded for leaf area index (LAI). Maximum variation in LAI among the treatments was recorded at 60 days after sowing. On average, actual ETR was 1.37 mm day−1 under CPE33 and declined by 13% and 16% under CPE44 and CPE66, respectively. Variation in ETR under different PL was highest under CPE33 and lowest under CPE44. Except P90, irrespective of PL, highest value of water use efficiency (WUE) was obtained under CPE44. However, magnitude of net evapotranspiration efficiency (WUEET) and irrigation efficiency (WUEI) attained the highest level under CPE33 regime. All water use indices showed an increasing trend with the increase in phosphate level from 0 to 90 kg ha−1. Impact of phosphorus on various parameters was pronounced under CPE33.