The Effect of Different Irrigation Regimes on the Yield of Fodder Maize (Zea Mays)

Abstract

A field study was carried out during 2013 season to investigate the effect of different irrigation intervals on fodder maize yield. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used, with three replicates. . Four irrigation regimes were executed T¹=3 irrigations (1^st 20 Day After Sowing (DAS), 2^nd 35 DAS and 3^rd 50 DAS), T²=3 irrigations (1^st 20 DAS, 2^nd 40 DAS and 3^rd 60 DAS), T³=3 irrigations (1^st 25 DAS, 2nd 40 DAS and 3^rd 55 DAS), and T⁴=3 irrigations (1^st 30 DAS, 2^nd 45 DAS and 3^rd 60 DAS). The results indicated that fodder maize yield varied significantly (P<0.05) under different irrigation regimes. The treatment T¹ resulted the best, plant height (185.33 cm), number of green leaves (13.42), stem width (4.46 cm), and fodder yield (30580 kg.ha^-1) While T² resulted in the best Seed germination (86.91%). Finally, T¹ irrigation regime was most effective to produce higher fodder yield in maize and the farmers may adopt this treatment to get high fodder production from maize.

Keywords: Fodder maize, Yield, Irrigation regimes