Effect of Different Furrow Irrigation Management on Water Saving and Water Use Efficiency of Maize in Isfahan

Irrigation management is one of the most important factors affecting the maize growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of different furrow irrigation management on maize growth. This research was carried out as split plot in a randomized complete block design at Kabootarabad Research Station in Isfahan Province. The main factor included three levels of surface irrigation regime; I1 (100%), I2 (80%), I3 (60%) and the sub-factor included conventional, alternative and constant irrigation methods. The studied parameters were plant height, fresh and dry yield, leaf area and leaf area index, which were measured at five stages of maize growth. The results showed that the effect of different irrigation regimes and different types of furrow irrigation was statistically significant on forage maize properties at 1% level. The highest impact on growth properties was corresponded to I1 regime and conventional furrow irrigation and the lowest one was corresponded to I3 regime and constant alternative furrow irrigation. plant height, fresh and dry yield in conventional and standard irrigation were equal to190 cm, 63978 and 20830 kgha-1 respectively. The same traits in I3 irrigation regime and constant alternative furrow irrigation were obtained 116 cm, 33635 and 8053 kgha-1 respectively. Changing the conventional furrow irrigation to constant alternate furrow irrigation until the harvesting stage led to save water consumption 39.3% and water use efficiency was increased 37%. Generally, by executing deficit irrigation up to 20% in conventional furrow irrigation or by using alternative furrow irrigation, in addition of saving water consumption and increasing irrigation water use efficiency, a reliable yield can be produced.