MAIZE PHENOLOGY, YIELD AND ITS QUALITY IS AFFECTED BY ORGANIC MULCHES AND VARIOUS IRRIGATION REGIMES

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the quantitative and qualitative response of maize (Zea mays L.) to irrigation levels and organic mulches during Autumn 2012. The experiment was conducted at Agronomic research area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement was used to layout the experiment comprising three replications. Three irrigation levels I₁ (3 irrigations), I₂ (5 irrigations) and I₃ (7 irrigations) were kept in main plots and applied at different growth stages of the maize. Three mulching treatments M₀ (control), M₁ (maize straw) and M₂ (grass clippings) were applied to the soil after sowing. The data regarding growth, yield and quality parameters of maize were recorded by using standard procedures. The data was statistically analyzed by applying Fishers analysis of variances technique. The results on different parameters showed that the combination (7 irrigations and maize stalk mulch) was attributed with the maximum maize 1000-grain weight (280.27 g), grain yield (5.80 t ha^-1) and biological yield (15.21 t ha^-1). Irrigation levels and organic mulches also significantly affected the interaction effect of 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index. The data on quality parameters revealed that both irrigation levels and mulching materials significantly increased the seed protein and oil content (11.08% and 5.23%) , respectively as compared to control. The study concluded that maize stalk mulch applied with 7 irrigations enhanced growth and yield of the crop, improved the quality content of the maize grains as well improved soil physical condition.