The effect of controlled Irrigation regimes at 25 • 50 and 75% available sou
moisture depletion on some growth eheractertsucs and water consumptive use by
three soybean cultlvars (Clark. Williams and Crawford) was studied during 2000 and
2001 seasons. Increasing soil moisture depletion before irrigation significantly decreased plant height. leaf area I plant, dry matter accumulation and relative growth rate throughout of the growing season. Wherever speclnc leaf area and leaf area ratio were significanUy affected by moisture stress only after 7 week from planting. On the other hand, root f top ratio Increased with increased soil moisture depletion. Crawford
cultivar surpassed SignifICantly in plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area,
specific leaf area and leaf area rauc, while Williams was superior in root ftop ratio. As
well as relative growth rate. Water consumptive use decreased as moisture depletion increased. Crawford cullivar consumed more water compared with Clark and Williams culuvars. Clark, Williams and. Crawtord cullivars waler consumptive use were 45.3, 44.S and 53.0 cm in 2000 season and 44.5, 33.4 and 45.3 em in 2001 season, respectively. The cubic meter of capillary water produced 0.52, 0.53 and 0.44 kg seeds In 2000 and 0.40 , 0.42 and 0.39 kg seeds In 2001 for irrigation al 25 , 50 and 75 % soil moisture depletion, respectively. Clark cullivar was more efficient in utflizlng soil moisture followed by Williams and CrawfOrd cultivars.