Efficacy of subsurface and surface drip irrigation regarding water productivity and yield of maize

Pakistan faces surface water and groundwater shortage which are the main reason for assessing more appropriate method of irrigation water use. Subsurface drip irrigation plays an important role to conserves irrigation water and enhances crop yields by reducing surface water evaporation in Pakistan. Two years (2019-20) trials were carried out at “Water Management Research Center” (WMRC), Mansoor Malangi road Faisalabad, under randomized complete block design (RCBD). Maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid variety “YH-1898” was selected for this experiment with sandy loam soil. Sub-surface drip laterals were buried manually at different depths of 0.15, 0.25 and 0.35 m. The results of subsurface drip irrigation for crop water productivity and maize grains yield were compared with surface drip and gravity irrigation methods (furrow-bed and furrowridge). The outcomes showed that maximum grain yield (8753 and 8860 kg/ha) was achieved in both the seasons in 2019 and 2020, respectively under sub-surface drip irrigation installed at a depth of 0.15 m. Similarly, the results of water productivity also revealed that the highest water productivity (2.074 and 2.085 kg/cm3 ) was concluded both the years in 2019-20, respectively under subsurface drip irrigation installed at a depth of 0.15 m. It is concluded that maximum grain yield and water productivity can be accomplished by the installation of sub-surface drip laterals at 0.15 m depth for maize crop in a semi-arid region of Pakistan.