Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Quality of Sweet Corn

Abstract

The yield and quality response of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) to variable water supply was evaluated in 1984 and 1985. Irrigation depths were established with sprinklers at five intervals from 0% to 100%, with the 100% treatment intended to refill the root zone to field capacity. The other treatments were considered as deficit irrigation. Irrigations were scheduled when 47–57% of the available water was depleted in the root zone of the 100% treatment level plots. Yields were similar when irrigation depths were 50% or greater in 1984 and 1985, although water application depths varied between years. Water balance measurements indicated very little deep percolation. Deficit irrigations of about 50% and 70% saved water and maintained yield. Yield, ear weight, and kernel weight decreased in the nonirrigated treatments or when water application depths were about 25%. Nonirrigated sweet corn tended to be more mature at harvest then irrigated corn.

Crop-Water Production Functions for Sweet Corn

“…Plots in the RCB were separated by 15 m of border to separate water applications. Further details on the experimental methods are reported by Braunworth and Mack (1987), while statistical details of the design are described by Little and Hills (1978).…”