OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SCHEDULES ON CHILLI CROPS UNDER DRIP IRRIGATION IN WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIARAM KUMAR, RAJAT MISHRA, PADAM SINGH, DEEPAK KUMAR MISHRA, RAMESH PAL AND P.V. SINGHAbstract This study conducted at the College of Agriculture Sciences and Engineering, IFTM University in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, investigated the impact of different drip irrigation levels on growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic outcomes of Chilli crop. The study found that T2, involving 2 hours of drip irrigation every two days, yielded the best results across all parameters. T5, which utilized furrow irrigation, had the lowest values across all parameters. Specifically, T2 demonstrated the highest net return of 136,160 Rs/ha, while T5 had the lowest return of 81,080 Rs/ha. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was also highest at 2.30 for T2, indicating its economic viability, whereas T5 had the lowest BCR at 1.81. The study highlights that combining drip irrigation with effective soil moisture management significantly influences Chilli cultivation, leading to improved yield, water conservation, and profitability. This approach proves to be particularly valuable for regions grappling with water scarcity challenges. In simpler terms, the study found that watering tomato plants for 2 hours every two days using drip irrigation is the best way to grow tomatoes in terms of yield, water use efficiency, and economic returns. This approach is especially beneficial for regions with water scarcity. |