Yield evaluation and determine the thermal requirements of maize maturity groups in the region of Kerman- Orzooeyeh

Due to the geographical location of Iran and its location in arid and semi-arid, dehydration and agricultural drought are always threatening it. Drip tape irrigation (Tape) is an example of pressurized irrigation systems used for efficient use of water. To determine the timing and amount of irrigation is very complex because of dependent factors. This complexity is one of the problems that farmers and experts confront it. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the different levels of irrigation using drip tape irrigation (Tape) and to determine the required water using Tensiometer in corn cultivation. A complete randomized block design experiment was conducted at Kerman Agricultural Research Station with three replications and four irrigation treatments. It included 3 suction treatments 1.2FC, 1.5FC or 1.8FC and the 4th treatment- irrigation water requirement of the plant (the control treatment)-for three years (2010-2012). To determine the irrigation time using tensiometer when the water extraction for each of the treatments reached to 1.2FC, irrigation was done. With regard to the interval and amount of irrigation in treatments, the control treatment had the highest yield and the most efficient water use. However, the treatment of 1.2FC had the closer performance to the control treatment than other treatments. The amount of water used in treatments was almost equal. Although treatments 1.5FC and 1.8 FC had a little more water consumption than the treatment 1.2FC, the yield of treatment 1.2FC was better in all plant parameters because its irrigation interval was lower than other treatments and the plots were irrigated sooner. According to the findings, the treatment FC1/2 which needs no calculation can be recommended to the farmers.