Effect of a Semi Portable Solid Set Sprinkler System on Growth and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during seasons 2007 and 2008 at Elailafoon area 30 km south east of  Khartoum on the eastern bank of the Blue Nile. The objective was to study the effect of sprinkler irrigation system as compared to the surface irrigation system on growth and yield attributes of forage maize. The treatments consisted of a semi portable solid set sprinkler and basin irrigation systems with two maize cultivars (Mugtama 45 and Baladi). The treatments were arranged in a nested design and replicated three times. The soil physical and chemical properties of the experimental site were analyzed. Data on plant height, number of  leaves per plant, stem diameter, plant population and fresh and dry matter yields were recorded. The results showed that the solid set system significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) the stem diameter with 31%, number of leaves per plant with 13%, plant population with 14% and fresh forage yield with 17%. However, the difference was not significant between the two irrigation systems on plant height and dry matter yield. With respect to both cultivars, the results also showed that there was no significant difference (P ˃ 0.05) in the studied parameters. The results of this study indicated the superiority of the solid set system over the basin irrigation system. This may be attributed mainly to the intermittent application of the appropriate watering demands.