Alternate Wet and Dry (AWD) Technology

Alternative wet and dry irrigation technology is implemented in rice lands as follows.

• Standing water in paddy fields during the land preparation at the inception.
• Soil saturation before tillage and transplanting.
• Maintain dry paddy field for 10 to 14 days after transplanting
• Apply irrigated water initially for saturation and then 5cm standing water in paddy fields. (rice).
• Wait till the water level drops to 20% to 50% depletion of soil saturation in the root zone. This value can be changed depending on the basic infiltration rate of each soil type.
• This value can be monitored by using equipment at the field level and by measuring Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) with the help of a Class A Evaporation Pan and standard rain gauge at the system level.
• This intermittent irrigation method is demand-oriented and saves more water while producing better rice yield.