The effect of super absorbent polymer and manure fertilizer on water use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars under different irrigation regimes

In order to investigate the effect of super absorbent polymer and manure fertilizer on water use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars under different water deficit conditions, an experimental was carried out in a factorial layout based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the research field of West-Azerbaijan (Saatlo station) during 2017-2018 cropping seasons. The first factor was irrigation in two levels: normal and drought stress conditions. The second factor was super absorbent polymer 200 kg ha-1, manure fertilizer 40 ton ha-1, dual their application and control (non-application fertilizer) and the third factor included wheat cultivars (Mihan, Heidari and Zarineh). The results indicated that drought stress compared to normal irrigation reduced grain yield, chlorophyll index, harvest index and relative water content about 32, 22, 24 and 19 percent, respectively. The highest leaf temperature (33.10 °C) was obtained under drought stress and non-application fertilizer application and the lowest leaf temperature (21.99 °C) under favorable irrigation conditions and dual application of super absorbent polymer and manure fertilizer. The highest economical water use efficiency (1.34 kg m-3) and biological water use efficiency (4.10 kg m-3) were observed under drought stress conditions and dual application of super absorbent polymer and manure fertilizer. Mihan was superior cultivar for grain yield, harvest index and relative water content among cultivars under two different moisture conditions. The highest grain and biological yields were obtained under favorable irrigation conditions and dual application of super absorbent polymer and manure fertilizer.