This study aimed to investigate the effect of deficit irrigation on the growth and yield response of upland rice at different growth stages. It also compared the effects of irrigated and water deficit conditions, determined the optimal deficit irrigation strategy for achieving maximum grain yield, and assessed irrigation and crop water use efficiency.
Significant differences were observed among treatments in terms of plant height, panicle diameter, grain length, and rice yield. The farmer's practice and a 35% water deficit were identified as the most effective deficit irrigation strategies to achieve the highest grain yield in upland rice. The findings underscored the importance of effective water management practices in agricultural systems to optimize crop productivity and minimize water wastage. The farmer's practice and the 35% deficit treatment served as references to achieve higher crop water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency, indicating the potential for improving water management strategies.
The study concluded that water stress during the tillering stage had a significant negative impact on the growth and yield of rice, while water stress during the panicle initiation and flowering stages had a relatively lesser effect. This suggests that rice plants exhibited greater tolerance to water stress during the latter stages compared to the tillering stage. The study highlighted the need for implementing efficient water management strategies to enhance crop productivity in upland rice cultivation.

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering - AB Land and Water Conservation Engineering)

Includes bibliographical references and appendices