Effect of Partial Root-zone Drying and Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components of Maize

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Postgraduate Student, Tarbiat Modares University

2 Associate Professor, Tarbiat Modares University

3 Assistant Professor, Agriculture & Natural Resources University of Sari

4 Associate Professor, Agricultural Engineering & Technology Research Center

5 Assistant Professor, Isfahan University of Technology

Abstract

An Application of new irrigation methods to increase water use efficiency is essential, due to global water shortages, and as well a consumption of more than 70% of fresh water in the agricultural sector. In this study, the effect of Full Irrigation (FI), Partial Root-zone Drying (PRD) treatments at two levels (provision of 75% of ET (PRD75) and 55% of ET (PRD55)) vs. Deficit Irrigation treatments at the same levels (75% (DI75) and 55% (DI55)) on yield and yield components of maize under a complete randomized design and under open filed conditions has been investigated during two growing seasons (2010 and 2011). Results revealed that the differences (for some yield components), between FI and PRD treatments were lower than those observed between FI and DI treatments. Results also indicated that the level of kernel yield, (in PRD75 treatment), as the most economical constituent of yield trait, was not significantly different from that of FI treatment (the difference being less than 10% for each year). An assessment of soil water content revealed that in PRD75 treatment plant water uptake was more efficient. Therefore, it can be concluded that PRD75 treatment, which resulted in a non-significant decrease of yield and yield components and while resulting in a 25% decrease in water use during the treatment periods (increase in water use efficiency of 16% and 20% during years 2010 and 2011 respectively), would be a promising water-saving method as in MazandaranProvince.

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