Studies on improved technologies and aquacrop model performance for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Yadgir district of Kalyan Karnataka region, India

Yadgir is the major producer of groundnut in Karnataka, and average yield of rainfed groundnut is 17.5 to 20 q ha^-1, which is comparatively less than country average due to lack of high-yielding groundnut varieties, poor soil fertility, scattering rainfall, high incidence of pests & diseases. To address these problems, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur introduced (K-1812) groundnut variety, bio controlling agents for soil born disease management, integrated nutrient management, sprinkler irrigation, groundnut digger cum elevator at 15 farmers field in Yadgir district of Karnataka during 2021 and 2022 of kharif and rabi seasons. The average groundnut yield under technologies field was 25.91q ha^-1 (18.68%) as well as 31.34q ha^-1 (18.13%) as compared to 21.83q ha^-1 as well as 26.53q ha^-1 under farmer’s practices during kharif as well as rabi seasons respectively as well as helped to achieve BC ratio of 3.77 compared to 1.58 under farmer’s practices by reducing cost of production by 15 to 20%. Average two-year kharif and rabi seasons field data had been utilized for calibration as well as validating model. AquaCrop model has been calibrated for simulation of groundnut yield as well as biomass for technologies plot, as well as prediction error statistics were 0.96 <E< 0.88%, 0.08 RMS< 0.63 qha^-1and 0.87 <MAE< 0.70 qha^-1. During validation, model functioned well with model efficacy of 93% as well as 83% for groundnut pod yield as well as biomass, respectively, as well as are within acceptable limits. Aquacrop model performed well, and it can be used for future studies on effect of climate change as well as agronomical practices on groundnut yield as well as biomass in study area.