Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 16, No 4 (2003)

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An Agro-Climatic Perusal of Dryland Horticulture in Bijapur District, Karnataka

V.S. Ramachandran, R.A. Balikai, M.A. Bellakki, V.H. Ryagi

Abstract


Statistical survey of temporal and spacial fluctuations on area, production and yield data of different tree species of horticultural crops grown in Bijapur district in Karnataka State, India, in relation to the prevailing agro-climatic resources was conducted over a period of 8 years (1989-96).  Taluka-wise cumulative annual water potentialities and theoretically estimated number of tree species of each variety of horticultural crops were highly correlated (r of the order of 0.9).  The productivity trends of horticultural crops in Bijapur followed by Indi taluk were very much above state and all India averages while that of papayas (1900 t/ha), brinjal (1700 t/ha), marigold (500 t/ha) and onion (2100 t/ha) stood first in productivity rank in the district amongest total fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices, respectively.  Taluka-wise normal monthly drought spread diagrams indicated that drought free period (AETPE>T/2) increased towards north-westward direction oriented Bijapur taluk compared to south eastward direction oriented taluks (Hunagund and Muddebihal) and productivity efficiency of individual crop species was comparatively lower over lesser sloppy eastern-side than western-side of the district.  The climatogram showed bimodal rainfall characteristics and nomograms between effective day and night temperatures as well as saturation deficit and mean relative humidity revealed favourable growth regulating thermal and moisture parameters to cultivate perennial horticultural crops (which do not require any agronomic methods) more extensively compared to conventional agricultural crops in the district.

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