Responses of Grain Maize to Plant Density at Different Irrigation Regimes

Sara Samadvand,Yahya Emam,Gholamreza Heidari,Mohammad Majidi

doi:10.15835/nsb949927

Abstract

In order to examine the effects of different plant densities, plant patterns and irrigation regimes on yield, yield components and harvest index of grain maize, a field experiment was conducted at Miyandoab Agricultural Research Station, Iran. A strip split plot experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the effect of plant density was significant on kernel yield, harvest index, 1,000 kernel weight. The highest kernel yield was obtained from 90,000 plants ha-1 density. Maximum grain yield (18.530 t ha-1) was obtained from furrow irrigation. However, there was no significant difference between moisture levels of 100% and 120% of field capacity. The lowest kernel yield was obtained at 80% field capacity. This study also showed that mean kernel weight and the number of kernels per row were the most determinant factors in grain yield formation. The highest and the lowest harvest indices were obtained at 120% and 80% treatments of field capacity treatment, respectively.

Highlights

Water is an important resource for human society and protection of this natural resource efficiently has become one of the main challenges of the century
Effect of plant density was significant on harvest index, ear height, plant height, length of ear, number of kernel in row, 1,000 kernel weight and grain yield
By a comparison of the related yield affected by different irrigation systems, it was observed that the highest yield value was related to furrow irrigation, with 18.530 tons over per hectare, which was arranged in a statistical group with 100%, and 120% treatment of water requirements

Summary

Introduction

Water is an important resource for human society and protection of this natural resource efficiently has become one of the main challenges of the century. One of the main under-development factors for maize cultivation in Iran is the low efficiency of the crop with conventional irrigation methods (Afshar et al, 2007). Drip irrigation is defined as an irrigation practice where water is dispensed one drop at a time at the desired location. This technology was available for many years and has been recently promoted for applications in different areas (Darusman et al, 1997). Surface irrigation is among the widest spread irrigation method It is normally used when conditions are favourable: existing mild and regular slopes, soil type with medium to low infiltration value and sufficient supply of surface or groundwater. In the case of steep or irregular slopes, soils with a very high infiltration value or scarcity of water, drip irrigation may be more appropriate (Kohi et al, 2005)

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Conclusion