Introduction to Major Field Crops

Water Management

A total rainfall in the range of 500-600 mm during the crop season would be quite enough for maize, if the water losses through different sources are kept to the minimum.It is important to note that few hours water logging at germination stage may cause complete wipe out of the crop. Flooding the crop for duration of 24 to 72 hours may cause 30-40 per cent damage in crop yield. It is, therefore, essential to prevent such a high loss by proper water management. Wherever possible, maize sowing may be undertaken before onset of monsoon preferably 10 to 20 days in advance. By doing so the high rainfall period will coincide with grand growth period of the crop and may not have any adverse effect on the crop yield.Under moisture stressed conditions to achieve higher water use efficiency, crop has to be sown in furrows instead of ridges.
 
Adequate soil moisture content throughout the crop growth period resulted in maximum grain yield. The optimum availability of moisture may be maintained by irrigation crop at critical stages. Six critical stages i.e. early knee, late knee, flowering,silking, milk and dough stages for growth and development have been identified for the purpose of irrigation.

Fig: Surface Irrigation.

Fig: Sprinkler Irrigation.