Kanpur: The first and second irrigations are very important in the wheat crop, stated RK Yadav, Director Research at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, on Tuesday. He said that 30 to 40% of total production depends on the first and second irrigation.The first irrigation should be done 20 to 21 days after crop sowing. Yadav stated that the first irrigation in the wheat crop is considered most important, which is called “CRI”, (Crown Root Initiation) stage. Around 20 to 21 days after sowing, when root development begins in the plant, a lack of moisture leaves the plants weak. Light watering at this time increases the number of tillers.The second irrigation should be done 40 to 50 days after crop sowing. This is the time when the plant stems develop rapidly. During this period, plants require more nutrients. Timely water supply improves nitrogen absorption. This increases plant height and strength. Negligence in irrigation at this stage can turn plants yellow.The choice of irrigation method also affects production. Irrigation by making beds is best, so that water reaches uniformly throughout the field. Excess water logging prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, causing the crop to turn yellow. Modern techniques like mini sprinklers can also be used, which are capable of providing better moisture with less water.Yadav advised farmers to ensure proper use of urea and zinc sulphate in the appropriate quantity and at the right time in the wheat crop. Also, for broad and narrow leaf weeds, dissolve one packet of 16 grams of Metsulfuron and Sulfosulfuron in 200 litres of water and spray at proper moisture. This enabled farmers to get abundant benefits from wheat production.
