*4.2.1 Flood irrigation*

Flood method of irrigation is followed where maize crop is cultivated with flat sowing. Crop is irrigated as and when required. Generally, young seedlings, knee high stage (V8), flowering (VT) and grain 7.

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*Improved Technologies for Higher Maize Production DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88997*

stages [2, 7, 8].

**Figure 5.**

*4.2.2 Furrow irrigation*

*Crop establishment by furrow planting.*

*4.2.3 Above ground drip irrigation*

irrigation system [12].

*4.2.4 Sub-surface drip irrigation*

by the formula:

filling (GF) are critical stages and hence irrigation should be ensured at these

When crop is cultivated as ridge/raised bed planting, furrow irrigation is followed. Care needs to be taken at first irrigation that water should not overflow on the ridges/beds. As a thumb rule, the irrigation should be applied in furrows up to 2/3rd height of the ridges/beds. In raised bed and in limited irrigation water, the irrigation water can also be applied in alternate furrows to save irrigation water. In rainfed conditions, tied-ridges prove helpful in conserving the rainwater, increasing

High temperature and high evaporative demand during summer season enhances the water requirement of maize crop as a result of which farmers go for a number of irrigation. To increase the water use efficiency of crop, above ground drip irrigation is recommended by Punjab Agricultural University. In this, broad beds are prepared at 1.20 m apart from centre to centre of furrow. These beds are 80 cm wide on the top and 40 cm wide furrows between beds. The beds are covered with U.V stabilized plastic film (Black) of 25 micron thickness (23 grams per m2

Two rows of maize are planted at a spacing of 60 cm keeping plant to plant distance of 20 cm. One lateral pipe is used to irrigate two rows of maize. The drippers are spaced 30 cm apart and are operated at a discharge of 2.2 L per hour as given in **Table 6** [7, 8, 12]. Prevailing climatic regimes of an area affect the efficiency of drip

\* If discharge rate is different, time of irrigation may be adjusted proportionally

Time of irrigation <sup>=</sup> 2.2 <sup>×</sup> Time of irrigation (min.) <sup>∗</sup> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Discharge of dripper (l/hr)

In field experiments, sub surface drip irrigation and fertigation resulted in 18.4% higher system productivity with saving of 28.5% applied irrigation water. Sub-surface irrigation technology can be followed in maize-wheat-summer moong

).

(1)

its availability in the root zone for longer period [2, 7, 8, 11].

*Improved Technologies for Higher Maize Production DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88997*

*Maize - Production and Use*

*4.1.10 Transplanting*

**Figure 4.**

followed by light irrigation [2, 5].

*4.1.11 Furrow planting*

**4.2 Water management**

from frost injury [3].

*4.2.1 Flood irrigation*

infiltration rate and low water holding capacity, so farmers can go for flat planting of maize crop. Under rainfed conditions, to have better moisture availability to crop for longer period, flat planting becomes better alternate. Flat planting is also beneficial when no tillage system gets infested with high weed population and chemical/

It is better establishment technique winter maize (**Figure 4**) in the intensive cropping system where field cannot be vacated on time, to prevent the delayed planting and crop loss due to low temperature. Under this situation, nursery of the crop is raised on a smaller portion of land and seedlings are transplanted in required field as and when they achieve certain age. For example, if the fields are to be vacated during December–January, it is advisable to go for nursery sowing 30–40 days before the transplanting. Seedlings can be transplanted in the furrows

Furrow planting (**Figure 5**) of maize is recommended when crop is to be cultivated during spring season as high evaporative losses may lead to water deficit

Water requirement of the maize crop varies from 400 to 600 mm [10]. Excess or shortage of moisture can have harmful impact on the crop growth. Proper drainage of standing water and meeting the crop needs at critical stages play a pivotal role in better crop performance. Especially for winter maize, it is advisable to keep soil wet (frequent & mild irrigation) during 15 December to 15 February to protect the crop

Flood method of irrigation is followed where maize crop is cultivated with flat sowing. Crop is irrigated as and when required. Generally, young seedlings, knee

manual weed control becomes non-economical [7, 8].

*Maize crop establishment through transplanting system.*

stress in flat and raised bed or ridge sowing [2, 5, 7, 8].

high stage (V8), flowering (VT) and grain 7.

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**Figure 5.** *Crop establishment by furrow planting.*

filling (GF) are critical stages and hence irrigation should be ensured at these stages [2, 7, 8].

## *4.2.2 Furrow irrigation*

When crop is cultivated as ridge/raised bed planting, furrow irrigation is followed. Care needs to be taken at first irrigation that water should not overflow on the ridges/beds. As a thumb rule, the irrigation should be applied in furrows up to 2/3rd height of the ridges/beds. In raised bed and in limited irrigation water, the irrigation water can also be applied in alternate furrows to save irrigation water. In rainfed conditions, tied-ridges prove helpful in conserving the rainwater, increasing its availability in the root zone for longer period [2, 7, 8, 11].

### *4.2.3 Above ground drip irrigation*

High temperature and high evaporative demand during summer season enhances the water requirement of maize crop as a result of which farmers go for a number of irrigation. To increase the water use efficiency of crop, above ground drip irrigation is recommended by Punjab Agricultural University. In this, broad beds are prepared at 1.20 m apart from centre to centre of furrow. These beds are 80 cm wide on the top and 40 cm wide furrows between beds. The beds are covered with U.V stabilized plastic film (Black) of 25 micron thickness (23 grams per m2 ). Two rows of maize are planted at a spacing of 60 cm keeping plant to plant distance of 20 cm. One lateral pipe is used to irrigate two rows of maize. The drippers are spaced 30 cm apart and are operated at a discharge of 2.2 L per hour as given in **Table 6** [7, 8, 12]. Prevailing climatic regimes of an area affect the efficiency of drip irrigation system [12].

\* If discharge rate is different, time of irrigation may be adjusted proportionally by the formula:

\*\*formal:\*\*

$$\text{Time of irrigation} = \frac{2.2 \times \text{Time of irrigation (min.)} \times}{\text{Discharge of dripper (l/hr)}}\tag{1}$$

### *4.2.4 Sub-surface drip irrigation*

In field experiments, sub surface drip irrigation and fertigation resulted in 18.4% higher system productivity with saving of 28.5% applied irrigation water. Sub-surface irrigation technology can be followed in maize-wheat-summer moong


#### **Table 6.**

*Month-wise timing of above ground drip irrigation in spring maize.*


#### **Table 7.**

*Month-wise timing of sub-surface drip irrigation in maize-wheat-summer moong cropping system.*

cropping system. For this system, Place drip inline having dripper having 20 cm spacing at 20 cm depth with lateral to lateral spacing of 67.5 cm for sub surface drip irrigation in maize-wheat-summer moong cropping system. Sow one row of maize, two rows of wheat and two rows of summer moong on each drip inline during respective season. If discharge of the dripper is 2.2 L/hour, the schedule given in **Table 7** can be followed for sub-surface drip irrigation in above mentioned cropping system [7, 8, 10].

If discharge rate is different, then time of irrigation may be adjusted proportionally by the formula:

= (2.2 × time of irrigation (minutes) ∗) ÷ dripper discharge (litre/h) (2)

#### *4.2.5 Partial root drying irrigation*

This technique (**Figure 6**) involves alternate wetting and drying of two halves of root zone of crop plants during consecutive irrigations. The PRD technique was developed on the basis of knowledge of root-to-shoot chemical signaling (can be negative or positive) about soil conditions that regulates the shoot physiology. Alternating is essential for maintaining a constant emission of signals from the root-to-shoot, because prolonged exposure of root to drying soil may cause anatomical changes which reduce the ability of root to sense soil drying and not able to sustain the production of ABA for long time period [10]. Different methods to apply the PRD technique can be separation of root system into two parts with sheet particularly in pots**,** controlled alternate surface drip irrigation on half part of the

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*Improved Technologies for Higher Maize Production DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88997*

zone or controlled alternate furrow irrigation [10].

*Field view of partial root drying irrigation technique in maize.*

*4.3.1 Non-chemical control: manual weeding, mulching*

water conservation as well weed control in field crops [7, 8].

emergence 20–25 days after sowing in 375 L of water [2, 7, 8].

**4.3 Weed management**

**Figure 6.**

as follows [2, 7, 8]:

*4.3.2 Chemical control*

root zone**,** controlled alternate subsurface drip irrigation on half part of the root

Maize crop is infested with grassy and broad leaf annual weeds. Among grassy,

*Dactyloctenium aegypticum*, *Eleucine indica*, *Setaria glauca*, *Cyanodon dactylon*, *Cyperus rotundus*, *Sorghum helepanse*, *Bracharia rapens* are common. The broad leaf weeds are *Celosia argentia*, *Commelina bengalensis*, *Phylanthis niruri*, *Solanum nigrum*, *Amaranthus viridis*, *Trianthema partulacastrum*. Effective weed management strategies have key role in successful maize cultivation. Adoption of weed control practices during the first 6–8 weeks after planting is crucial because maize crop kept weed free for 30–45 days after planting is almost similar in yield as that kept weed free for entire crop period. The annual yield loss in maize because of weed problems is estimated to be approximately 10%. A number of weed management approached can be followed for weed management in maize crop that can be

Non-chemical weed control measures can physical or cultural that means manual removal of weeds from the maize fields. In cultural method, Give two hoeings 15–30 days after sowing with khurpa/kasaula/wheel-hoe/triphali/tractordrawn cultivator. Mulching is practice of keeping crop residues or plastic sheets on the soil surface within the crop rows. Mulching helps in temperature regulation,

Sometimes due to continuous rains during the early stages of maize growth it becomes impossible to enter in the field. Also due to scarce availability of farm labour, the only effective way to control weeds is the use of herbicides. Spray of atrataf 50 WP (atrazine) @ 2 kg/ha on medium to heavy textured soils and 1.25 kg/ ha in light soils within 10 days of sowing, using 500 L of water prove propitious in keeping weed population low in maize fields. Spray the herbicide uniformly at recommended rates to minimize residual toxicity to crops sown after maize. Alternatively, spray 262.5 ml/ha laudis 420 SC (tembotrione) in 375 L of water at 20 days after sowing provides effective control of mixed weed flora. For the control of *Cyperus rotundus* (dila/motha), apply 500 ml/ha 2,4-D amine salt 58 SL as post

*Improved Technologies for Higher Maize Production DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88997*

*Maize - Production and Use*

**Table 6.**

**Table 7.**

cropping system. For this system, Place drip inline having dripper having 20 cm spacing at 20 cm depth with lateral to lateral spacing of 67.5 cm for sub surface drip irrigation in maize-wheat-summer moong cropping system. Sow one row of maize, two rows of wheat and two rows of summer moong on each drip inline during respective season. If discharge of the dripper is 2.2 L/hour, the schedule given in **Table 7** can be followed for sub-surface drip irrigation in above mentioned crop-

*Month-wise timing of sub-surface drip irrigation in maize-wheat-summer moong cropping system.*

**Crop Month Timing of irrigation (min)**

August 35 September 50 October 30

January 65 February 70 March 50

June 45

Maize July 35

Wheat December 30

Summer Moong May 60

**Month Timing of irrigation (min)**

February 22 March 64 April 120 May 130

*Month-wise timing of above ground drip irrigation in spring maize.*

If discharge rate is different, then time of irrigation may be adjusted proportion-

= (2.2 × time of irrigation (minutes) ∗) ÷ dripper discharge (litre/h) (2)

This technique (**Figure 6**) involves alternate wetting and drying of two halves of root zone of crop plants during consecutive irrigations. The PRD technique was developed on the basis of knowledge of root-to-shoot chemical signaling (can be negative or positive) about soil conditions that regulates the shoot physiology. Alternating is essential for maintaining a constant emission of signals from the root-to-shoot, because prolonged exposure of root to drying soil may cause anatomical changes which reduce the ability of root to sense soil drying and not able to sustain the production of ABA for long time period [10]. Different methods to apply the PRD technique can be separation of root system into two parts with sheet particularly in pots**,** controlled alternate surface drip irrigation on half part of the

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ping system [7, 8, 10].

*4.2.5 Partial root drying irrigation*

ally by the formula:

**Figure 6.** *Field view of partial root drying irrigation technique in maize.*

root zone**,** controlled alternate subsurface drip irrigation on half part of the root zone or controlled alternate furrow irrigation [10].

### **4.3 Weed management**

Maize crop is infested with grassy and broad leaf annual weeds. Among grassy, *Dactyloctenium aegypticum*, *Eleucine indica*, *Setaria glauca*, *Cyanodon dactylon*, *Cyperus rotundus*, *Sorghum helepanse*, *Bracharia rapens* are common. The broad leaf weeds are *Celosia argentia*, *Commelina bengalensis*, *Phylanthis niruri*, *Solanum nigrum*, *Amaranthus viridis*, *Trianthema partulacastrum*. Effective weed management strategies have key role in successful maize cultivation. Adoption of weed control practices during the first 6–8 weeks after planting is crucial because maize crop kept weed free for 30–45 days after planting is almost similar in yield as that kept weed free for entire crop period. The annual yield loss in maize because of weed problems is estimated to be approximately 10%. A number of weed management approached can be followed for weed management in maize crop that can be as follows [2, 7, 8]:

#### *4.3.1 Non-chemical control: manual weeding, mulching*

Non-chemical weed control measures can physical or cultural that means manual removal of weeds from the maize fields. In cultural method, Give two hoeings 15–30 days after sowing with khurpa/kasaula/wheel-hoe/triphali/tractordrawn cultivator. Mulching is practice of keeping crop residues or plastic sheets on the soil surface within the crop rows. Mulching helps in temperature regulation, water conservation as well weed control in field crops [7, 8].

#### *4.3.2 Chemical control*

Sometimes due to continuous rains during the early stages of maize growth it becomes impossible to enter in the field. Also due to scarce availability of farm labour, the only effective way to control weeds is the use of herbicides. Spray of atrataf 50 WP (atrazine) @ 2 kg/ha on medium to heavy textured soils and 1.25 kg/ ha in light soils within 10 days of sowing, using 500 L of water prove propitious in keeping weed population low in maize fields. Spray the herbicide uniformly at recommended rates to minimize residual toxicity to crops sown after maize. Alternatively, spray 262.5 ml/ha laudis 420 SC (tembotrione) in 375 L of water at 20 days after sowing provides effective control of mixed weed flora. For the control of *Cyperus rotundus* (dila/motha), apply 500 ml/ha 2,4-D amine salt 58 SL as post emergence 20–25 days after sowing in 375 L of water [2, 7, 8].
