Abstract

A two year study was made to find out the effect of planting patterns, organic mulches and soil moisture regimes on growth and yield attributes of maize. Normal planting with irrigation in all furrows resulted significantly higher growth and yield attributes followed by double file planting in deep furrows. Lowest values of growth and yield attributes were observed in normal planting with irrigation in alternate furrows. Paddy straw application at the rate of 8 t/ha improved the plant height, shoot dry matter production, and all the yield attributes of maize in both the years. The influence of moisture regimes on growth and yield attributes was found to be signifi- cant in both the years. Irrigation at 40% ASMD performed best followed by 60% and 80% ASMD. Double file planting in deep furrows, full mulch and irrigation. scheduling at 40% ASMD were efficient in utilising the available moisture for achiev ing higher water-use-efficiency.

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