Abstract

Aim: The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alternate furrow irrigation with different irrigation intervals on corn yield, irrigation water productivity, and economic return as compared with EFI (conventional method).

Materials and Methods: Normal irrigation interval was irrigation interval produced by CROPWAT model.  The experimental plot size was 45m² (10m wide × 4.5m long). Each treatment included 7 furrows and 6 planting ridges (rows). Furrow spacing was 0.75 m. Space between plots been 1m and between replication 1.5 m. Space between rows 0.75m and 0.35cm between the plants was used. The experimental plot was pre-irrigated one day before planting.

Results: Results indicated that highest green cob yield 10733/ha and 10822/ha at Diga and 10044/ha and 10200/ha were obtained from AFI with normal irrigation interval treatment during two consecutive seasons whereas, low number are collected from Farmer practice (FP) treatments. However, highest water productivity (WP) values (3.42kg/m³, 3.45 kg/m³,3.55kg/m³ and 3.30kg/m³) were observed from AFI with extended irrigation interval at both locations during consecutive growing seasons. Irrigation water saved at Wayu Tuka under AFI_norm and AFI_extended treatments were approximately 50% and 60% respectively, as compared to the CFI treatment and 43.6 and 55.7% AFI_norm and AFI_extended treatments respectively at Diga site. However, under AFI_extended yield reduction was observed as compared with AFI_norm.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Alternate-furrow irrigation with normal irrigation interval can improve crop water productivity without the risk of yield reduction. Therefore, if low cost water is available and excess water delivery to the field does not require any additional expense, then the AFI normal irrigation interval treatment will essentially be the best choice under the study area conditions.

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