Does improvement in irrigation technologies of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improve both, water and energy, productivity: case study from the Fergana valley

Abstract

Improved irrigation technologies are one of the options of adaptation to growing water shortage conditions. This study, carried on loam soils of Fergana Valley with groundwater of 1.5-2 m deep, analyzed the impact of introducing improved irrigation technologies on water and energy productivity for three varieties of winter wheat. The findings of the study indicate that improvements in irrigation technologies may produce gains in water productivity for high yielding varieties of winter wheat, only. The study found that increasing water productivity by improving irrigation technology is not necessary results in increased energy productivity except of high yielding varieties of winter wheat.