Effects of Irrigation Levels, Plant Densities and Planting Patterns on Water Use Efficiency Corn (KSC700(

• Main Authors: Sh. Ashrafi, Hossin Sadrghaen, J. Baghani
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad 2015-06-01
• Series: مجله آب و خاک
• Subjects: Crop Density; Crop Pattern; Corn Subsurface Drip Irrigation; Water Use Efficiency
• Online Access: http://jsw.um.ac.ir/index.php/jsw/article/view/32870

In order to evaluate the effects of different levels of irrigation, crop densities and cropping patterns on corn (KSC700 variety) water use efficiency using subsurface drip irrigation system, three field experiments were carried out in 2005 and 2006 in Karaj. Experimental design was split plot design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. In the first experimental Field, main plots were Three irrigation levels: 50%, 75% and 100% ET and sub plots were three plant densities: 65000, 75000 and 85000 plant per hectare and sub-sub plots were two planting patterns: one and two row plants per bed. Results showed that increasing the levels of irrigation from 50% to 100% of the plant water requirement, has a significant effect on yield and yield components. Results obtained from two years experiment showed that irrigation levels of 50% and 100% ET had the minimum and maximum yield values of 3.65, 12.28 and 3.58, 12.89 ton per hectare in years of 2005 and 2006 respectfully. Calculation on water use efficiency showed that treatments located to 75% and 100% ET groups have maximum water use efficiency compared to 50% ET treatments. This means that corn is a plant which is highly sensitive to deficit irrigation. It is recommended in area where there is no limitation in water resources, application of 100% ET for maintaining crop water requirement is suggested. In area where water resources is limited, it is suggested to maintain only 75% of crop water requirement by using subsurface drip irrigation method for corn production.