Growth, yield and water use efficiency of different maize (Zea mays)-based cropping systems under varying planting methods and irrigation levels

摘要

A field experiment was conducted during 2002-04 on maize (Zea mays)-based cropping systems under different planting methods and irrigation levels on sandy loam soil in New Delhi, India. Treatments comprised: two planting methods (flat bed and modified bed); three irrigation variants (limited irrigation, assured irrigation and a control (no irrigation)); and three winter crops (wheat, chickpea and Indian mustard). Planting of maize on ridges and wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) on raised beds recorded significantly taller plants with higher yields and yield attributes compared to the flat bed method. Similarly, application of limited and assured irrigations markedly improved the plant height, yield attributes and yields of maize, wheat, Indian mustard and chickpea compared to no post-sowing irrigation. Among the cropping systems, maize-Indian mustard recorded the maximum maize grain equivalents, net return and benefit:cost ratio. The maximum crop evapotranspiration (330.6-472.2 mm) was observed in maize. However, among the winter season crops, wheat absorbed the highest amount of water (185.6-385.7 mm) and also had highest water use efficiency. Modified planting method and assured irrigations resulted in higher evapotranspiration and water use efficiency than other treatments. However, increase in water use efficiency was observed up to limited irrigation treatment.