Evaluation of Moisture Deficit Index of dry land in Iraq

Abstract

This investigation has been conducted to study the magnitude of water deficiency in the arid land in Iraq, the moisture deficit index (MDI) has been evaluated for 4 dry stations (Sulaimaniya, Mousl, Baghdad and Bassra) in Iraq. The results in general show that the moisture index values were negative at Sulaimaniya and Mousl ranges from -56.0 to-73.0 .It was -28.0 in Jan. in Sulaimaniya . The above range-56.0 to-73.0 indicates that the available moisture is enough for sowing and subsequently for the establishment of the crop but not necessarily for optimal growth if there was full crop canopy. Crops grow in Sulaimaniya and Mousl .However, Moisture Deficit Index range from -80.0 to -94.0 in Baghdad and Bassra. For all the crops such as Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum ), broad beans (Vici faba) and other winter crops will exhibit moisture stress, and unless they receive irrigation, they may fail to grow and produce yields in Baghdad and Bassra. However, in Sulaimaniya and Mousl the available moisture is enough to grow crops and produce yields.