Abstract:
Realizing the importance of developing appropriate cultural practices for maize in Jijjiga
area, a study was conducted for one season in 2016 with the objectives to (1) assessing the
effect of intra-row spacing and in-situ moisture conservation methods on yield components
and yield of maize; and (2) estimate the economically feasible intra-row spacing and in-situ
moisture conservation methods for higher productivity of maize. Three intra-row spacing (20,
25 and 30 cm) and four in-situ moisture conservation practices (tied ridge + mulching, flat +
mulching, tied ridge and flat planting) were used in factorial arrangement using a randomized
complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Significantly the longest period (67.08)
days to tasseling and silking (72.92) days were obtained from the highest plant spacing of 20
cm. Significantly the longest duration (6.78) days to emergence, tasseling (68.11) days and
silking (74.22) days were obtained from flat planting. Significantly the longest duration
(106.1) days to physiological maturity was recorded at intra-row spacing of 30 cm. The
longest (107.7) days to physiological maturity was obtained from tied ridge + mulching. The
tallest ear height (54.43 cm) was obtained from the highest plant spacing of 20 cm. The tallest
ear height (65.87 cm) and longest ear length (28.07cm) were obtained from of tied ridge +
mulching. The tallest (147.9 cm) plant was recorded by tied ridge + mulching at 20 cm intrarow
spacing. The highest (1.36) number of ears per plant and thousand kernel (225.67g)
weight were obtained from tied ridge + mulching. The highest (3857 kg ha-1) grain and
(10026kg ha-1) aboveground biomass were recorded by tied ridge + mulching x 20 cm intrarow
spacing. It may be concluded that maize may be planted at 20 cm intra-row spacing on tie
ridge + mulching for greater yield and economically feasible which has the highest net benefit
(ETB 23973.87 ha-1) with marginal rate of return (MRR) of 248.28%. Hence, intra- row
spacing of 20 cm and tie ridge + mulching (TRM) was found to be preferable
