الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Innovative technology in irrigation leads to more efficient use of water and as a result increases the agricultural productivity. It is in this light that the present study was done to check the best water management scenarios to save water and increase maize productivity. For this very reason, field and laboratory experiments were conducted in 2019 during summer season in El Hammam Farm to evaluate the effect of applying scaled water temperature on maize (Zea Mays) growth and yield using sprinkler, drip, and a combination of drip and irrigation systems. The field experiment consisted of four plots. Plot 1 was assigned to sprinkler irrigation as a mode of water application throughout the growing period. Plot 2 was assigned to drip irrigation method for all the growing period. Plot 3 was assigned to a combination of drip and sprinkler irrigation methods. Plot3 was divided into two sections. Each section was assigned for sprinkler and drip as hybrid irrigation system. Plot 4 consisted of two rows. Row 1 was assigned for one drip line to apply cold water (2oC below tap water temperature) and Row 2 was assigned for one drip line also to apply warm water (2oC above irrigation water temperature). Maize was planted under standard conditions at the spacing of 50 cm between rows and 25 cm for plants. Irrigation method for hybrid systems was changed at the beginning of the flowering stage. The Laboratory experiment consisted of applying scaled water temperature to maize crops grown in plastic pots. Five replicated treatments (T1, T2, T3 T4, and Ttap) were applied using tap water, 2oC and 4oC below tap water, 2oC and 4oC above tap water temperature, respectively. Crop water requirement for maize was calculated using computer programs CropWat 8, and irrigation was scheduled at 50 % of water depletion from the soil for all treatments. 77Samples of water were taken from the source of water used for the irrigation of the maize crop and analyzed in the university laboratory to ascertain its suitability for irrigation purpose. The samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties using the procedures that are recommended in the standard methods for the evaluation of water and waste water and the values of PH, water salinity (EC), soluble cations and anions, and the sodium adsorption was calculated. Plant growth and yield parameters that were recorded during the development of the crops were statistically analyzed to determine the effect of different irrigation methods and scaled water temperature on maize growth and yield. Paired t-test was used to compare means for significant difference. |