Alleviating Damage Extent and Enhancing Yield through Ridge Planting Techniques in Maize (Zea mays L.) during Excess Soil Moisture Stress

Abstract

Waterlogging is one of the major constraints limiting maize (Zea mays L.) production in India and might become more common due to irregular precipitation pattern due to climate change. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of planting techniques by examining of physio-morphological, and productivity of excess water sensitive maize (Zea mays L.), under excess soil moisture stress (ESM). A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season 2020 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The experiment consisting of two planting methods (flat and ridge), under ponding conditions (30 DAS for 7 days) along with non-ponded condition was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The recommended dose of nutrients was120:60:40kgN: P2O5:K2O/ha. The physio-biochemical and yield characteristics of the plants at different times interval after planting were evaluated. Growing of maize on ridge bed maintain comparatively aerobic condition and give better anchorage to sturdy in excess moisture resulting lowest crop lodging (12.06%) and higher yield (3501kg/ha) by 7.2% compare to flat system (3268kg/ha). In comparison to non-ponded and ponded plant showed significantly maximum growth, however lowest crop lodging percent.