Growth parameters, grain yield and economics of maize (Zea maysL.) as influenced by different mulches and irrigation scheduling under drip

Abstract

The experiment was conducted on silty clay loam soil at Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India during 2012 and 2013 to study the effect of four irrigation scheduling, based on cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) ratio and five mulches on growth parameters and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The results of experiment revealed that the plant height, number of leaves plant−1, leaf area duration, dry matter production, grain yield, netreturn and benefit: costratio were significantly higher in drip irrigation at 125% PE, which in turn was on par with drip irrigation at 100% PE. Leaf area and leaf area index was significantly higher under drip irrigation at 125% PE, which was significantly superior over rest of the other irrigation schedule. Among the mulches, significantly higher growth parameters as well as grain yield was recorded with black polythene mulch as compared to other mulch whereas, lower growth attributing characters, yield and economics was noticed under no mulch with weedy check.