Effects of Surge Irrigation on Water Use Efficiency and Water Productivity of Maize in Islamabad-Gharb Area

Some experiments were performed around the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station of Islamabad-Gharb in order to determine The effect of surge irrigation on yield of water productivity(WP) and water use efficiency of maize in that area. The statistical design of the research was randomized complete block with 4 treatments in 3 replication, as a composite analysis in two years (2015 and 2016). The treatments were continuous irrigation method (c), surge irrigation method with 1 to 1 on and off flow ratio (S1-1), surge irrigation method with 1 to 2 on and off flow ratio (S1-2), surge irrigation method with 1 to 3 on and off flow ratio (S1-3).  Corn variety SC704 was used for planting. The results showed that in 2015 and 2016, savings in the consumption of water compared to continuous irrigation was respectively, 10.8% and 10.4% in S1-1 treatment. 10.4% and 10.5% in S1-2 and (S1-3) treatment, respectively 11% and 10.5%. Combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that performance parameters had no significant difference between treatments during different years. The results indicated that the water productivity values for total yield and grain yield were higher in surge irrigation treatment than in the continuous irrigation. WP based on total corn ear weight was 0.69 kg/m3 and based on grain weight, it was 0.54 kg/m3. These values represent 0.07 and 0.06 kg/m3 higher WP compared to continuous irrigation. The average water use efficiency was 32.3% for continuous irrigation and it was 36% for surge irrigation which was 3.7% more than continuous irrigation. Generally, the results showed that surge irrigation with a cycle ratio of 1 to 2 was more suitable for irrigation.