Abstract

                                Estimation of rate of soil moisture use and pattern of extraction by bittergourd was attempted with four levels of N and irrigation. The irrigation at 15 mm CPE was found to be the optimum level of irrigation for bittergourd since its fruit yield was statistically on par with the fruit yield of farmer's practice of irrigation which recorded the highest yield. The crop extracted the highest quantity of moisture from top 0-30 cm soil layer, during both vegetative and reproductive stages. Peak period of soil moisture use for bittergourd was during 25 to 40 days after sowing (DAS) which coincides with the actively growing vegetative period and the start of profuse flowering. The seasonal average for daily water intake of bittergourd, for irrigation at 15 mm CPE and farmer's practice were 4.07 and 4.43 mm, respectively.

Key words : Soil moisture, pattern of extraction, cumulative pan evaporation (CPE)