The Effect of Different Irrigation Regimes on the Yield of Fodder Maize (Zea Mays)

A field study was carried out during 2013 season to investigate the effect of different irrigation intervals on fodder maize yield. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used, with three replicates. . Four irrigation regimes were executed T1=3 irrigations (1st 20 Day After Sowing (DAS), 2nd 35 DAS and 3rd 50 DAS), T2=3 irrigations (1st 20 DAS, 2nd 40 DAS and 3rd 60 DAS), T3=3 irrigations (1st 25 DAS, 2nd 40 DAS and 3rd 55 DAS), and T4=3 irrigations (1st 30 DAS, 2nd 45 DAS and 3rd 60 DAS). The results indicated that fodder maize yield varied significantly (P<0.05) under different irrigation regimes. The treatment T1 resulted the best, plant height (185.33 cm), number of green leaves (13.42), stem width (4.46 cm), and fodder yield (30580 kg.ha-1) While T2 resulted in the best Seed germination (86.91%). Finally, T1 irrigation regime was most effective to produce higher fodder yield in maize and the farmers may adopt this treatment to get high fodder production from maize. Keywords: Fodder maize, Yield, Irrigation regime