Determination of Optimum Irrigation Scheduling and Water Use Efficiency for Maize Production in North-West Ethiopia

Abstract

In irrigated agriculture, efficient water management is an important element. Such practices can help bust sustainable production and maintain farm profitability in which there is limited water resource. This study aimed to generate information on optimal irrigation scheduling for Maize on Vertisol in Metekel Zone, North-West of Ethiopia for proper use of irrigation water and consequently improvements in irrigated agriculture. The study was conducted by Pawe Agricultural Research Center for two years. Where long term metrological data (23 years) and CropWat software were used to determine optimum irrigation scheduling for Maize. The experiment was laid out in Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.  Five treatments of irrigation were employed and the amount of water which was applied in each irrigation interval was measured with partial flume. Grain yield, water use efficiency and other yield component parameters of maize subjected to different allowable soil moisture depletion levels had a statistical significant in 2011 but no significance different in 2012 However, maximum grain yield of 3777 kg/ha and 2951 kg/ha was obtained from 140 % Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level (ASMDL) followed by 2753 kg/ha and 2598 kg/ha at 80% ASMDL of two years. Besides; the highest water use efficiency of 1.970 kg/m³(2011) and 2.103 kg/m³(2012)was obtained at 80% and FAO recommended ASMDL respectively. Therefore, the obtained results are valuable in improving water productivity but economic analysis should be included for further recommendation.

Keywords: CropWat, ASMDL, Optimum scheduling, and Weather parameters.