Sprinkler Irrigation Frequency Affects Maize Yield Depending on Irrigation Time
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Core Ideas Plant Na+ content doubled with daytime sprinkler irrigation. Plant Na+ content increased by 30% with high irrigation frequency. Irrigation frequency was not relevant for nighttime sprinkler irrigation of maize. High irrigation frequency during daytime reduced maize yield and water use efficiency. Sprinkler irrigation with solid‐set systems easily allows changing irrigation frequency. We studied, under field conditions and during 3 yr, the effects of irrigation frequency (two events per week or daily) and daytime vs. nighttime irrigation on microclimatic changes, soil matric potential, growth, yield, and water use of maize (Zea mays L.). Microclimatic changes (decrease of air temperature and vapor pressure deficit, and of canopy temperature) were slightly larger and lasted for more time after the irrigation event with low frequency irrigation. Increasing irrigation frequency during daytime resulted in a lower soil matric potential. Irrigating at nighttime resulted in higher maize height (+3%) and yield (+10%) than irrigating at daytime. The high irrigation frequency decreased maize height (−7%) and yield (−5%) compared with the low irrigation frequency when irrigation was performed at daytime but not at nighttime. The Na+ content of the plant was doubled with daytime sprinkler irrigation compared with nighttime irrigation, and was increased by 30% when the irrigation frequency was increased. Water use efficiency (WUE) was not affected by irrigation frequency when irrigating at nighttime, but it decreased with the increase of irrigation frequency when irrigation was applied during daytime. Sprinkler irrigation with solid‐set must be applied at night to obtain the maximum maize yield and WUE. Irrigation frequency is not relevant for sprinkler irrigation of maize applied at night, but high irrigation frequency should be avoided when maize is sprinkler irrigated during daytime to avoid yield and WUE decreases.
Source: Agronomy Journal
Authors: José Cavero, Eva T. Medina, Francisco Montoya
Institution: Estación Experimental de Aula Dei
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2886664863