Data from: Evaluation of drip irrigation system for water productivity and yield of rice

The use of drip irrigation in upland rice cultivation is a contemporary
water-saving strategy however, inadequate evidence available related to
consequential changes in water productivity on rice yield. The effects of
distinctive drip irrigation treatments viz., differences in lateral
distances [0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 m], dripper discharge rates [0.6 and 1.0 litre
per hour], irrigation methods [surface and sub-surface] and the
conventional aerobic rice production system (control) on, physiology and
water productivity of rice were studied during summer 2012 and 2013. Grain
yield significantly increased in sub-surface drip irrigation method laid
out at 0.8 m lateral distance and in 1.0 litre per hour (lph) discharge
rate (5389 kg ha-1) compared with control irrigation method (4181 kg
ha-1). This treatment mount up dry matter partitioning, leaf
photosynthesis as well as root oxidizing power. In addition, drip
irrigation in aerobic rice production system had twice the water
productivity and stimulates longer roots with higher density compared with
control irrigation method. The sub-surface drip irrigation system with
drippers/laterals of 0.8 m distance with flow rate 1.0 lph, in aerobic
rice production system is a cost-effective method and had the potential to
save water (27.0 %) without compromising for grain yield in comparison to
control irrigation method. This could be the promising technology to be
recommended for aerobic rice production system.