Evolving effective irrigating schedule for potted maize crop

Abstract

The trial, a 2 x 7 Factorial experiment evaluates two watering regimes: 25 ml of irrigation applied full dose in the Morning (M), or Afternoon (A) or Evening (E), as well as two equal-split applications applied either in the Morning + Afternoon (MA), or Morning + Evening (ME) or Afternoon + Evening (AE), in addition to three equal-split application applied Morning + Afternoon + Evening (MAE). A second irrigation regime was application of 50 ml of irrigation water applied in the same sequence as for 25 ml. A 4-day application schedule was maintained for both watering regimes. Analysis of data reveal that final crop heights were significantly (p≤ 0.05) influenced by irrigation schedule as well as by volume of irrigation applied in both 2017 and 2018 trials. 50 ml of irrigation applied consistently gave better crop heights in both trials. Stem girth however did not respond significantly (p≥ 0.05) to irrigation schedule and to volume of irrigation applied. In 2017 trial leaf number and leaf area were also not significantly (p≥ 0.05) influenced by irrigation schedule investigated as well as the volume of water given. However trials conducted in 2018 indicates significant response of leave area to irrigation schedule as well as rate. Yield parameters responded significantly (p≤ 0.05) to irrigation application, with 50 ml irrigation given better grain yield than 25 ml. Application of water in the Morning gave the best yield responses, thus recommended. The least yield responses were observed when irrigation water was delivered in the Afternoon.