Effect of Drip Irrigation and Inter Cropping Systems on Growth Characters of Maize

Aims: The main aim of the study is to reduce the irrigation quantity for maize and intercrop adds extra value to the sole crop by generating additional income to the farmers.

Study Design: Factorial Randomised Block Design (FRBD).

Place and Duration of Study: Eastern block farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during summer and Kharif 2021.

Methodology: Maize as a sole crop and inter crop was grown under drip and flooded conditions. To quantify the irrigation with different set of irrigation as treatments (75% PE, 100% PE and 125% PE) was followed. Irrigation under flooded conditions was quantified using parshall flume. Different inter crops like Lab Lab, Green gram, Black Gram and Cow pea was raised within the rows of maize. The duration of inter crops was less than 60 days than that of maize.

Results: During its peak cob formation stage (61-90 days), the quantity of water applied to the plant was higher with 125 % PE (205858.8 l/day) followed by 100% PE (123515.3 l/day) and 75 % PE (164687.1 l/day). The higher plant height was observed with 280.5 cm in Maize + Lab Lab followed by black gram, green gram and cowpea. Irrigation level varied significantly with 100% open pan evaporation on plant growth (254.8 cm) followed by 75% open pan evaporation. Interaction effect was significant in Maize + Lab Lab cropping system alone, irrespective of the irrigation treatments (75, 100, 125 % PE and flooding).

Conclusion: Water requirement with the month and stage wise during the crop growth clearly indicates that the minimum amount of water is required for the crop growth and development.