Effects of partial rootzone drying on yield, yield components, and irrigation water use efficiency of canola (Brassica napus L.)

Effect of PRD (partial rootzone drying) on yield and yield components of canola (Brassica napus L.) was investigated in greenhouse conditions. The treatments were: T1, full watering of both sides of roots; T2, alternate irrigation on both sides; T3, half of irrigation water in T1 was given to one side; T4, same as T3 but without plate; T5, same as T2 but without plate. In T1, T2, and T3 treatments, the boxes were evenly separated into two compartments with thin plates. The results showed that grain yield of T1 to T5 treatments was 18.11, 16.38, 12.44, 9.29, and 8.66 g plant−1. T2 treatment increased plant height by 46.9% and 1000-seed weight by 17.8%, but reduced lateral branches by 16.7% and number of pods by 24%, over T1 treatment. T2 treatment was the most efficient (irrigation water use efficiency = 0.679 kg m−3) and treatment T5 was the least efficient (0.359 kg m−3). The difference between irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of T2 and T5, and T3 and T4 treatments, was significant (p < 0.05). Therefore, halving the amount of applied irrigation water and applying this water alternatively on both sides of the root zone will produce the highest IWUE. This study showed that PRD irrigation management has high influence on rooting system of canola. This phenomenon could affect nutrients uptake and consequently all aspects of plant growth and development.