FAISALABAD, Feb 23 (APP):The agriculture experts advised the growers to take extraordinary care for watering their wheat crops as timely irrigation at growth stages is crucial to prevent per-acre yield losses.
A spokesperson of Agriculture (Extension) Department said here on Monday that proper irrigation plays a decisive role in ensuring healthy crop development particularly during sensitive phases such as tillering, booting, flowering and milky stage of grain formation.
The farmers may face significant reduction in wheat production if they failed to irrigate at these stages, he warned.
He emphasized that irrigation during the booting stage is especially important as the ear head forms and begins to emerge at this point. Any delay or neglect in watering at this stage can result in smaller spikes and ultimately lower grain yield, he added.
He said that for early-sown wheat, the farmers should apply the third irrigation 125 to 130 days after cultivation while for late-sown wheat the same should be done 110 to 115 days after sowing at the milky stage when grains are actively filling within the spike. This stage is critical for achieving optimum grain weight and overall productivity, he added.
He said that in Thal region areas, the fourth irrigation should be ensured 90 to 95 days after sowing at the flowering stage followed by the fifth irrigation 110 to 115 days after cultivation during grain formation to support proper development.
The irrigation schedules may be adjusted in consultation with local agricultural experts by taking into account weather conditions, soil structure and specific needs of the crop to ensure maximum output and efficient water use, he added.