EFFECT OF DEFICIT IRRIGATION LEVELS AND FURROW IRRIGATION TECHNIQUES ON YIELD AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) IN RAYA AZEBO DISTRICT, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas relies heavily on irrigation. However, at present irrigation water supplies are decreasing resulting in water scarcity and restricting crop production. The reasons for this are multi-dimensional, but of utmost importance is, low-tech irrigation water management. Under these conditions, the need to use the available water economically and efficiently is unquestionable. Deficit irrigation improves water productivity and irrigation management practices resulting in water saving. Study was undertaken to investigate the effect of deficit irrigation and furrow irrigation techniques on maize yield and water productivity on clay loam soil at experimental site of MeARC, Raya Azebo district. The experimental design was split-plot design in RCBD arrangement with three replications. Three furrow irrigation techniques, Viz., Alternate, Fixed and Conventional furrow irrigation techniques as a main plot and two deficit irrigation levels,75% and 50% ETc and a control irrigation of 100% ETc as sub- plot was used as a treatments. Major measurements included grain yield, biomass yield and CWP. The result indicated that there were significant (P < 0.05) difference between treatments in major agronomic parameters. The highest grain yield obtained was 6.32 tons ha-1under CFI with 100% ETc application and the lowest was 3.12 tons ha- 1 under FFI with 50% ETc application. The highest crop water productivity of 2.29 kg m-3 was obtained under AFI with 50% ETc application. AFI and FFI are ways to save water than conventional furrow irrigation for dry regions. The interaction between AFI and irrigation level of 100% ETc application resulted in 50% water saving for 6.96% yield reduction than CFI with 100% ETc application. Hence, it is recommended as simple and economically efficient technique in areas with limited water resources for maize production as it maintains optimum yield as close to fully irrigated farm. The yield loss and other irrigation expenses would also be compensated by irrigating additional land with the saved water