Water Management

Water Management

    Sunflower is considered to be drought tolerant, however, it responds well to irrigation. Sunflower seeds have thick hulls and imbibe water at a slow rate. It is therefore, necessary to ensure sufficient moisture for proper germination at the time of sowing. Pre-sowing irrigation is necessary for rabi and spring crops to get uniform germination and better stand.The most critical stages for moisture stress are bud formation, buttoning, flowering, seed setting and seed development. When crop is fully dependent on irrigation, water required by sunflower varies between 600-750 mm. Plants are most vulnerable to lodging at seed filling stage because of heavy capitulum. Hence, irrigation should be avoided at the time of high wind velocity as plants are easily uprooted in wet soils.
      Fig: Sprinkler irrigation.
    Fig: Sprinkler irrigation.


Last modified: Wednesday, 25 January 2012, 6:11 AM