Growth prediction models and dynamics of three fodder crops under fresh and brackish water irrigation in dry-land regions

Abstract

The current study delves into the impact of irrigation using two distinct water sources (freshwater and brackish water) in conjunction with three salt-tolerant fodder crops (Sesbania, Guar, and Pearl millet) within arid dry-land environments for two year experiments. Brackish water irrigation impedes the growth of all three plant species and reduces water consumption relative to freshwater irrigation. Logistic growth prediction equations for plant height, stem diameter, and the number of branches per plant are formulated across different water qualities irrigation against planting days. Biomass water use efficiency all three plant species having lower under brackish water irrigation. Consequently, the introduction of salt-tolerant plant species under brackish water irrigation presents an eco-friendly approach to harness arid dry-land for agricultural production. Furthermore, the predicted growth equations also provide, crucial insights for enhancing production in dry-land conditions by improving water use efficiency under different water irrigation.

Keywords

• Brackish water; Salt tolerant plants
• Soil salinity
• Logistic growth equations
• Water consumption