Effects of in-situ moisture conservation techniques on maize (Zea mays) yield and yield components in moisture deficit area of Dugda Woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted during 2018 cropping season at Dugda Woreda to investigate the effect of in situ moisture conservation techniques on grain yield and yield components of maize. Treatments comprised of tied ridge, furrow closed at both end and farmer's practices (as the control). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication. The grain yield and thousand seed weight showed highly significantly difference (p<0.001) on tied ridge and furrow closed at both end as compared to farmer practices. But the number of stand counts and cobs at harvest per hectare were not significantly (p>0.05) varied on tied ridge, furrow closed at both end and farmer practice, respectively. Tied ridge practices had increases maize grain yield and thousand seed weight (g) by up to 45.52% (2.7913 ton ha-1) and 41.43% above farmer practice (control), respectively. Also furrow closed at both end increased the grain yield and thousand seed weight (g) by up to 30.68% (1.882 ton ha-1) and 27.63% as compared to farmers' practice, respectively. These results claim the potential use of tied ridge and furrow closed at both end improved grain yield and thousand seed weight in the study areas by enhancing moisture in the soil. Therefore, in situ moisture conservation (tied ridge and furrow closed at both end) structure is a promising moisture conservation structures to mitigate dry spell period and improve maize production in the study area and similarly agro ecology.