Effect of Different Irrigation Level on Physiological Trait, Quantity of Yield and Productivity of Water and Energy in Two Variety of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different irrigation regimes on forage quantity, water and energy productivity of two maize cultivars during the 2017-18 as experiment of split plots in block design with three replications in the northwest of Isfahan, Iran. The main plots and the sub-plots included three levels of irrigation (100%, 80 and 60% full irrigation) and two cultivars of maize (704 and Maxima).Results indicated that, water level and genotypes, had significant effect (p<0.01) on fresh and dry forage yield ,fresh and dry forage of water and energy productivity. The highest fresh forage yield and water and energy productivity observed in 100% irrigation level in cultivar 704 (69 t.ha-1, 10 kg.m-3 and 0.74 kg.mJ-1, respectively).While, the highest dry forage yield and water and energy productivity in same level found in Maxima cultivar (23 t.ha-1, 3.4 kg.m-3 and 0.25 kg.mj-1 in, respectively). The highest fresh forage yield and water and energy productivity observed in 100% irrigation level in 704 (69.2 t.ha-1, 10.4 kg.m-3 and 0.7 kg.mj-1). While, the highest dry forage yield and water and energy productivity at the same level were observed in Maxima (23.3 t.ha-1, 3.4 kg.m-3 and 0.25 kg.mj-1). In general, due to the selection of suitable cultivars in arid areas, Maxima are more suitable than 704. Although, the input energy of both cultivars is equal with respect to equal consumption inputs. However, due to environmental effects of consumption of inputs, Maxima is superior. Therefore, by choosing the appropriate forage cultivar, an important step can be taken in sustainable improvement and problem of water shortage in arid and semi-arid regions.