Rabi sorghum residual moisture black soil rainfed no irrigation Maharashtra Karnataka technique.
Can I grow rabi jowar on stored soil moisture without irrigation?
SSharanappa9mo ago · 316 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓9mo ago
Yes, rabi jowar is traditionally grown on stored or residual soil moisture in deep black cotton soils of the Deccan, with little or no irrigation. Success depends on deep black soil that holds moisture, timely sowing soon after the last good monsoon rain in September or October so the crop uses the stored profile, and a maldandi type variety bred for rabi residual moisture conditions. Conserve moisture by deep summer ploughing, bunding and a shallow soil mulch through inter cultivation. Sow at the right depth to reach moist soil and keep the recommended plant population a little lower in drier years to match available moisture. One protective irrigation at grain filling, if available, boosts yield. Confirm the best variety and sowing window for your taluka with your KVK.
RRevanasiddappa8mo ago
Around Kalaburagi we grow rabi jowar entirely on the black soil moisture, no irrigation. Sowing right after the September rains is the secret, so the crop sits on stored water. Maldandi gives the best bhakri grain.
MMahantesh8mo ago
Deep black soil is a must for this. On shallow soil the moisture runs out before grain filling. I do summer ploughing and bunding so the soil drinks in every rain.
SSiddappa8mo ago
If you have even one well or a small source, one irrigation at the grain filling stage lifts the yield a lot in a dry year. Most years I manage on stored moisture alone, but that single watering at the end is the most valuable when I can give it.