Supplemental Irrigation
It is
small amount of irrigation water given to essentially rainfed crops at their
critical stages of growth, particularly when insufficient rainfall or low
availability of irrigation water fails to provide adequate moisture for normal
plant growth. For instance, about 2 to 3 supplemental irrigation of 5 cm each
to rice during critical growth stages (tillering, panicle initiation, milking,
and doughing) can enhance yield up to 50%.
One or two supplemental irrigation to rice during dry spell can wipe out
drought stress in most of the rice-growing areas of Odisha. If rabi crop is planted in time (by 30th
November), the soil residual moisture is good enough to meet the crop’s
requirement. However, when rabi crop
is delayed (20 January-15th February) supplemental irrigation may be
needed.