Effect of Different Irrigation Systems, Pulse Irrigation Technique and Silicon Application on Maize Growth, Yield and Water Relations under Toshka Climatic Conditions

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out at the experimental farm of Water Studies and Research Complex (WSRC) Station, National Water Research Center, Toshka-Abu Simbel city, Egypt during the two summer seasons of 2015 and 2016 to study the effect of three irrigation methods including new types of micro irrigation, pulse irrigation technique and silicon application on water relations of maize (Giza-358, variety) as well as yield and yield components. The experiments were laid out in split plots design with three replicates and consisted of three treatments. The results indicated that the effect of pulse irrigation technique on water use efficiency were larger than the effect of irrigation system and silicon application, the mean values of water use efficiency were (0.56, 0.52 and 0.52 kg/m 3) for pulse irrigation technique, irrigation system and silicon application, respectively. Also the results showed that grains yield (ton/fed) was increased for combined irrigation system and pulse irrigation technique which had been recorded (1.4 ton/fed) while the mean values of silicon application were (1.3 ton/fed). Finally, under the current experimental conditions, it could be concluded that pulse technique and silicon application under combination irrigation system is suitable under Toshka climatic conditions and caused significant increases in WUE and grain yield.