Determination of radiation use efficiency (RUE) of grass pea under different sowing dates

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to determine radiation use efficiency (RUE) of grass pea at Instructional Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal during rabi season of 2016-2017. Grass pea (Variety: ‘Prateek’) was sown on nine different dates from 26th October to 21st December at weekly interval. Sun shine hours accumulated during pre-flowering, post-flowering phases and entire growing period was calculated. Solar radiation accumulated during the growing period of the crop was computed by using SSH values. Dry matter yields (biological yield excluding grain yield) was recorded and statistically analyzed. Radiation use efficiency (RUE) was calculated. 26th October sown crop experienced highest solar radiation (2948.86mjm-2) and lowest solar radiation (2341.67mjm-2) was experienced by the crop sown on 21st December. The crops sown on 16th November produced maximum dry matter (3838.5kg/ha) while lowest dry matter (1903.1kg/ha) was obtained from 21st December sown crop. RUE value was the highest (1.451) in 16th November sown crop and lowest (0.813) in 21st December sown crop.