Evaluation of Level Bund Conservation Structure for Maize and Sorghum Production in Moisture Deficit Areas of Hawi Gudina District, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in 2011-2012 cropping seasons in moisture deficit area of Hawi Gudina district Dhega Dheba PA, Western Hararghe Zone. The study was conducted to evaluate effect of level bund conservation structure on grain yield of maize and sorghum in moisture deficit areas for improving productivity. The treatments were level bund and farmer’s practice with testing crop maize (melkasa-4 variety) and sorghum (Abshir variety) on three farms used as replication. The data on yield (Qt ha^-1), stand count at harvest & number of cobs/heads per hectare were collected for maize and sorghum varieties. The study revealed that, the mean number of stand count at harvest and cobs/heads per hectare directly affected the yield obtained from both crops; and cultivars receiving treatment level bund conservation structure matured later (i.e. from 1-3 days later) compared to farmers’ practice. It was also found that the mean yields of maize and sorghum (Qt ha^-1) on treatment level bund were 28.5% and 51% more than farmers practice respectively, in 2011 cropping season. Likewise, during second growing season (2012), it was found that the mean of maize yield (Qt ha^-1) on treatment level bund conservation structure was 26.8% more over farmers practice and mean yield of sorghum (Qt ha^-1) was 53% over farmers practice. Thus, this conservation structure is found promising to be used in moisture deficit areas and recommended with early maturing crops for their improved productivity.

Keywords: Level bund, days to maturity, moisture stress, yield