Drip-tape irrigation depth: water use efficiency, yield and forage quality in maize

Abstract

Objective: With the objective of evaluating the effect of the depth of the drip irrigation tape on the efficiency of water use, yield, nutritional quality and profitability of forage corn, a study was established by installing the irrigation tape at a depth of 0.05, 0.15 and 0.30 m.

Design/methodology/approach: A randomized block experimental design was used, the treatments evaluated consisted of the installation of the irrigation tape at three depths: 0.05, 0.15 and 0.30 m, each treatment was replicated on three occasions, the experimental unit consisted 15 m² (four 5 m long furrows and a separation of 0.76 m between furrows).

Results: The results showed that with the irrigation tape installed at a depth of 0.15 m, the highest biomass production and efficiency in water use were obtained, without modifying the bromatological quality of the forage; However, the best benefit-cost ratio corresponds to the depth of the tape installed at 0.3 m, recovering $1.27 for each peso invested in crop production.

Limitations on study/implications: Water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions is a global problem, so it is necessary to use irrigation methods that make water more efficient without reducing performance.

Findings/conclusions: The installation of the irrigation tape at a depth of 0.15 m is recommended, due to the improvement in performance and efficient use of water without affecting the nutritional quality of the forage or the profitability of the crop.