Effects of Agro-Climatic Variables on Yield of Zea mays L. in a Humid Tropical Rainforest Agroecosystem

Abstract

Climate change is a major determinant of maize grain yield, hence understanding the climate-crop relationship. The study examine the relationship between maize yield and climate variables rainfall, relative humidity and temperature. The relationship between climatic variables and maize yield were determined using correlation analysis. The study found that total rainfall and maximum relative humidity showed positive correlation with yield while all temperature extremes showed negative relationship with yield. Maize crop planted in the months of April and September recorded the highest and least yield with values of 963.2kg/ha and 786.7kg/ha respectively. Total rainfall and mean relative humidity were positively correlated with grain yield at grain filling stage (61-100DAP) and whole cycle (1-100 DAP). The findings are relevant in planning appropriate adaptation innovations that can be used by farmers in maize production.

Keywords: Agro-climate, rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, maize yield, grain filling