Energy Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Irrigated and Un-irrigated Conditions. Division of Agronomy-SKUAST Kashmir

Abstract

Data with respect to yield was taken from Ph.D student Division of Agronomy Shalimar Campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Experiment was conducted during 2012 and 2013 under irrigated and un-irrigated mulched conditions with the objective to study the growth and yield of maize at different planting dates and planting density and to simulate trends of maize production. Experiment was laid in split-plot design assigning four planting dates 15th April, 30th April 15th May and 30th May to main plots and three planting density  50 cm × 20 cm, 60 cm × 20 cm and 70 cm × 20 cm to sub-plots. Maximum energy was consumed in irrigated conditions as compared to Unirrigated mulch conditions i,e 14805 MJ and 13034 MJ respectively. Irrigated maize sowing on 15th April gives highest net returns of Rs.126740 with a B: C ratio of 2.18 was recorded with 50x20 cm spacing which was followed by 60x20 cm with net returns of Rs.87170. As far as energy ratio energy productivity and net energy were also higher with 5.79, 204.6 and 70962 MJ respectively. Un-irrigated mulch maize sow on 15th April gives highest net returns of 87170 with a B: C ratio of 2.18 with 60x20 cm spacing which was followed by 50x20 cm with net returns of Rs 75827. As far as energy ratio energy productivity and net energy were also observed to follow the same trend with 5.82, 182 and 62793 MJ respectively with sowing on 15th April and planted at 50x20 cm apart. For higher energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and net energy, maize crop should be sown on around 15th April with an spacing of 50x20 cm or 60x20 cm under irrigated conditions and should be sown on around 15th April with an spacing of 60X20 cm under Un-irrigated mulch conditions.