Irrigation scheduling at critical stages

When irrigation facilities are available, the crop may be irrigated to field capacity after thinning operation and thereafter at 15-20 days interval.
Stop irrigation just before the pods begin to mature. Surface irrigation at 3 cm depth during the critical stages, viz., 4-5 leaves,branching,flowering and pod formation will increase the yield significantly.
Two irrigations of 3 cm depth each in the vegetative phase (4-5 leaf stage or branching) and in reproductive phase (at flowering or pod formation) are the best, registering maximum yield and water use efficiency.
In the case of single irrigation, it can be best given in the reproductive phase.