Deficit Irrigation and Mulch Effects on the Growth and Other Physiological Parameters of Maize

摘要

The greatest challenge to adequate maize production is the inability to withstand harsh environmental conditions especially in the drought areas.The effects of various physiological factors on maize growth were examined in the green house of Water saving park,Hohai University.The objective was to determine measures which if taken will ensure enhanced resistance to drought and increase yield of maize with improved soil conservation.Six treatments were considered by varying mulch and irrigation overtime and stage of crop growth.The result shows that there is a decrease of 26.16% on biomass accumulation of maize due to variation in mulching under mild stress while for full irrigation and serious stress there was an increase of 4.096% and 7.48% respectively.The research also revealed that the minimum fluorescence (Fo) and maximum fluorescence (Fm) decrease under stress time,with a corresponding increase in the ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) under stress time.Whereas mulch reduced the impacts of Fo and Fm,a reverse situation was observed for the Fv/Fm.It was also noted that mulch increased the photosynthetic rate (Pn),transpiration rate (Tr) and stomata conductance (Cs) during stress time,which however at the beginning of recovery,was contrary.