Everyone says first irrigation at crown root initiation is most important but I am not sure of the exact days.
When exactly is the CRI stage first irrigation in wheat and what happens if I miss it?
SSatpal Tyagi7mo ago · 225 views
5 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
The crown root initiation (CRI) stage in wheat usually comes around 20 to 25 days after sowing, when the crown roots start developing just below the soil surface, and this is the single most critical irrigation. Missing or delaying it can cut yield significantly because poor crown root development weakens tillering and nutrient uptake. After CRI, the other sensitive stages are late tillering, jointing, flowering and milk/dough stage. Days can shift with temperature and variety, so watch the crop and confirm timing with your local KVK or Soil Health Card based advice.
MMahesh Chand6mo ago
In my experience the CRI irrigation around three weeks after sowing makes a big difference in tillering. I never skip it now.
YYashpal Tomar6mo ago
A practical tip from my fields, give the CRI water a little earlier in light sandy soil and a little later on heavy soil that still holds moisture. Roughly three weeks is the guide, but I dig a few centimetres near the plant base and look for the new white crown roots starting before I irrigate.
DDevendra Singh6mo ago
If you do miss the CRI window because of a canal turn delay, do not panic and over-flood. Give a normal irrigation as soon as you can and keep the later stages on schedule. I missed it once by a week and the crop recovered partly, but I lost some tillers, so it is best caught on time.
OOmkar Singh Chauhan6mo ago
From my fields in Bulandshahr the cold December weather can push the CRI a few days past the usual three weeks, so I never go purely by the calendar in a cold spell. The bigger point people forget is to not give the CRI water too heavy, a light first irrigation at the right time tillers better than a flood given late.