EFFECT OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND SOIL LEVELING STATUS ON YIELD AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY BY MAIZE IN CALCAREOUS SOIL .

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out to study the effect of two irrigation systems and soil leveling status on the yield and water use efficiency by maize ( Zea mays L ) , Drakhma variety planted in Khalis silty clay calcareous soil during autumn – 2006 season . Strip irrigation system significantly increased leaf area , number of rows /ear and number of grains / row as compared with the sprinkler irrigation system . The results indicated that leaf area , number of rows /ear , number of grains/ear , weight of ear and weight of 1000 grains increased non significantly under the effect of soil leveling practice . Whereas, significant interaction was found between irrigation systems and soil leveling status. Strip irrigation system exhibited significant effect on the most growth and yield characters under soil leveling practice. However, Maximum yield (8677 Kg. Ha- ) was obtained at the combined ( strip*soil leveling ) treatment . On the other aspect, sprinkler irrigation was more efficient system to produce one unit weight of grains and in mean daily water consumption as follows: (Sprinkler * soil non leveling, 1.77 m3 ) >(Sprinkler*Soil leveling,2.02m3)> (strip * soil leveling, 2.32 m3 ) > ( strip *soil non leveling , 4.62 m3. kg- ) . Whereas, mean daily water consumption was 8.84 and 10.46 mm . day- under sprinkler and strip irrigation systems respectively.