crop water productivity of maize under koga irrigation condition

Abstract

Water is a vital natural resource for human survival. The lack of freshwater is becoming a major problem for both general growth and ensuring food self-sufficiency. Water management techniques that focus on prudent water resource management are therefore essential. This study aimed to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation on yield, water productivity, and the reduction of blue water footprints, particularly with regard to different kinds of mulching. To examine the combined impact, deficit irrigation and mulching—a layer of organic or inorganic material placed to the soil's surface to improve aeration, retain moisture, and lower evaporation—were used. The field experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments included three mulching techniques (no mulch, wheat straw mulch, and white plastic mulch) and four (DI) levels (0% (full irrigation), 20% (80% ETc), 40% (60% ETc), and 50% (50% ETc). The pan evaporation method was used to calculate the irrigation schedule. Using the R software, agronomic parameters were statistically examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). These research' findings demonstrated the interaction effects of DI and mulch on yield, water productivity, and the reduction of blue water footprints. The treatment combination of DI level (50% ETc) and plastic mulch showed the least reduction in consumptive water footprint. The combination of full irrigation and no mulching resulted in the greatest reduction in blue water footprint (101.433). It indicates that the yield of maize at 80% ETc with a combination of plastic mulch treatment was 27.27% greater than at full irrigation (100% ETc) without mulch and 3.17% higher than the DI level of 60% ETc with plastic mulch, but the yield was not significantly affected. Consequently, this approach with plastic mulch was chosen by 60% of farmers. The water productivity results showed that a treatment with DI level of 50% ETc with plastic mulch was 128.9% higher than full irrigation (100%) with no mulch. The lowest marginal rate of return depth of irrigation 60%ETc with nm followed by depth of irrigation 80%ETc with nm. Plastic mulch with DI had showed better marginal rates of return.

Key words: mulch, DI, yield, water productivity, and water management