Kumar et al. (2026) Effects of raised and sunken bed configurations and irrigation scheduling for crop diversification and water productivity improvement in eastern India

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Identification

• Journal: Water Science
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-14
• Authors: Sujit Kumar, Pawan Jeet, A C Upadhyaya, Arti Kumari, Rohan Kumar Raman, Anup Kumar Das
• DOI: 10.1007/s44533-026-00065-1

Research Groups

• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
• Department of Agriculture, Government of India

Short Summary

This study investigates the effects of raised and sunken bed configurations on crop yield, water productivity, and economic viability in eastern India. The optimal configuration of raised and sunken beds improves land and water productivity, enhances crop performance, and increases farm profitability under water-limited environments.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of raised and sunken bed configurations on crop yield, water productivity, and economic viability in eastern India

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Field experiment conducted at a local scale in eastern India
• Temporal Scale: 2-year study period (2023–2025)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: CROPWAT 8.0 model for estimating crop evapotranspiration (ETc)
• Data sources: Gravimetric method for soil moisture measurement, field observations

Main Results

• The optimal configuration of raised and sunken beds improves land and water productivity, enhances crop performance, and increases farm profitability under water-limited environments.
• M3S2 (1.5 m sunken bed width and 30 cm raised bed height) achieved the highest economic yields for cabbage (220.50 q ha−1) and cauliflower (213.88 q ha−1).
• M3S3 (1.5 m sunken bed width and 45 cm raised bed height) recorded higher irrigation water productivity and total water productivity for chickpea and lentil.

Contributions

• This study provides original insights into the effects of raised and sunken bed configurations on crop yield, water productivity, and economic viability in eastern India.
• The findings highlight the potential of optimal configuration of raised and sunken beds to improve land and water productivity under water-limited environments.

Funding

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Department of Agriculture, Government of India

Citation

@article{Kumar2026Effects,
  author = {Kumar, Sujit and Jeet, Pawan and Upadhyaya, A C and Kumari, Arti and Raman, Rohan Kumar and Das, Anup Kumar},
  title = {Effects of raised and sunken bed configurations and irrigation scheduling for crop diversification and water productivity improvement in eastern India},
  journal = {Water Science},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1007/s44533-026-00065-1},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s44533-026-00065-1}
}