RESPONSE OF PEAS TO ENVIRONMENT: IV. EFFECT OF FIVE SOIL WATER REGIMES ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PEAS

Abstract

Pea plants growing in "weighing lysimeters" were subjected to five soil-water regimes to determine their response to varying conditions of soil water imposed at different stages of development. Plants subjected to a minimal water stress developed luxuriantly and continued to grow up to the harvest period. Pea yield and plant height were not reduced, but fresh weight and dry matter were less if irrigation was applied when soil water fell to 60% rather than 88% of that available. A severe water stress after blossom reduced pea yield, irrespective of soil-water conditions prior to blossom. Plants which had been given ample soil water before blossom wilted visibly when a severe stress was imposed in the post-blossom period, yet wilting did not occur in plants subjected to severe water stress both before and after blossom. Severe water stress prior to blossom did not cause a decrease in pea yield if ample soil moisture was made available after blossom.