Wheat yield response to line source sprinkler irrigation and soil management practices on medium-textured shallow soils of arid environment

A field experiment was conducted for 3 years to evaluate the effect of deficit irrigation under different soil management practices on biomass production, grain yield, yield components and water productivity of spring wheat (Triticum estivum L.). Soil management practices consisted of tillage (conventional and deep tillage) and Farmyard manure (0 and 10 t ha(-1) FYM). Line source sprinkler laterals were used to generate one full- (ETm) and four deficit irrigation treatments that were 88, 75, 62 and 46 % of ETm, and designated as ETd(1), ETd(2), ETd(3), and ETd(4). Deep tillage significantly enhanced grain yield (14-18 %) and water productivity (1.27-1.34 kg m(-3)) over conventional tillage. Similarly, application of FYM at 10 t ha(-1) significantly improved grain yield (10-13 %) and water productivity (1.25-1.31 kg m(-3)) in comparison with no FYM. Grain yield response to irrigation varied significantly (5,281-2,704 kg ha(-1)) due to differences in soil water contents. Water productivity varied from 1.05 to 1.34 kg m(-3), among the treatments in 3 years. The interactive effect of irrigation x tillage practices and irrigation x FYM on grain yield was significant. Yield performance proved that deficit irrigation (ETd(2)) subjected to 75 % soil water deficit had the smallest yield decline with significant water saving would be the most appropriate irrigation level for wheat production in arid regions.