Effect of irrigation (drip/surface) on sunflower growth, seed and oil yield, nutrient uptake and water use efficiency - A review

Water plays an important role in augmenting the growth and development of crop plants in their different stages of ontogeny. Since water is the life line for accruing desired yield levels, its time of application and method of application plays an important role in increasing the yield levels besides saving water. Further, water is the prime natural resource, which is often costly and limiting input particularly in arid and semi arid regions, hence needs judicious use to reap the maximum benefit from this limiting resource. Off late, among irrigation methods, drip irrigation is receiving better appreciation, acceptance, adaption and plays an important role in saving the water in water scarce areas. It enables the efficient use of limited water with higher water use efficiency. Optimum irrigation levels with suitable method would help in enhancing the economic yield as well as water use efficiency in many field crops including sunflower crop in line with the high value commercial and horticultural crops.