Effect of irrigation and fertigation under different mulches on yield parameters of spring maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of irrigation and fertigation under different mulches on yield parameters of spring maize in 2013. Maize variety PMH-1 was sown on on split plot design taking three irrigation treatments i.e. I1: 1.0 ETc, I2: 0.80 ETc, I3: 0.60 Etc; four fertilizer treatments i.e. F1: 100% of NPK, F2: 80% of NPK, F3: 60% of NPK, FP (100% of fertilizer broadcasted) and three mulch treatments i.e. plastic mulch P (25 micron black mulch), straw mulch (rice mulch) and no mulch. Paired row planting on beds having spacing (60 cm x 20 cm) under drip irrigation treatment and furrow method irrigation was followed. The maximum grain yield (65.73 q/ha), number of grains per cob (294), 1000 grain weight (268 g) and cob weight per plant (138.37 g) were recorded in I2F2P treatment. The use of plastic mulch with drip irrigation and fertigation resulted into 20% fertilizer saving as compared to farmer's practice or conventional method. It was concluded that use of plastic mulch along with drip irrigation and fertigation (I2F2P) resulted in higher yield with proper utilization and saving of water.