INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION INTERVALS AND TILLAGE METHODS ON SOIL MOISTURE DISTRIBUTION, GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN SEMI-ARID REGION, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crucial crop with global significance, providing sustenance and economic livelihood to millions of people. Additionally, the implications of these interactions for sustainable agricultural practices and resource-efficient water use have not been fully explored. This study seeks to address this critical knowledge gap by systematically examining the interplay between irrigation intervals and tillage systems. This study aims to investigate the influence of different irrigation intervals and tillage systems on soil moisture distribution, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.), thereby providing insights into optimizing water management practices for sustainable maize cultivation. This study examined the influence of irrigation intervals and tillage methods on soil moisture distribution, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under semi-arid conditions. The research addressed a critical gap in knowledge by evaluating the interaction between irrigation scheduling and tillage systems, and their combined effects on soil moisture availability, crop growth, and yield performance. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri (11°47.840′N; 13°12.021′E; 319 m above sea level), where the physico-chemical properties of the soil were determined prior to planting. The study involved five tillage methods: disc harrow (DH), disc plough (DP), double disc harrow (DDH), double disc plough (DDP), and a combination of disc harrow and disc plough (DH + DP), alongside three irrigation intervals of two, four, and six days, including a control. These treatments were factorially combined, replicated three times, and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), resulting in 54 treatment plots over two cropping seasons. Basins were prepared manually, and standard agronomic practices were followed throughout the experimental period. Data collected included plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, days to 50% tasselling and silking, cob length, cob diameter, cob weight, 1000-seed weight, and seed weight per cob. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Statistical Analysis Software (SAS), with treatment means separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Regression analysis was also applied to develop a predictive model for maize yield. The results revealed that both irrigation intervals and tillage methods significantly influenced maize growth and yield. Intensive tillage practices, particularly double disc ploughing (DDP), double disc harrowing (DDH), and the combined disc harrow plus disc plough (DH + DP), significantly enhanced vegetative growth, resulting in increased plant height, stem girth, and leaf production compared to zero tillage. These improvements contributed to higher yield potential at harvest. However, tillage practices showed limited effects on reproductive parameters. Regression analysis identified 1000-seed weight, cob weight, and cob length as the most significant determinants of yield, collectively explaining over 91% of the variation in maize productivity, while cob diameter and seed weight per cob were less influential. The study further established that a two-day irrigation interval was the most effective for optimal maize growth and yield under semi-arid conditions. Among the tillage systems, double disc ploughing produced the highest yield, whereas zero tillage resulted in the lowest performance. Findings from this study provides evidence-based recommendations for famers and policy makers to adopt the two days irrigation interval while the integration of appropriate agronomic principles provides a robust foundation for growth and yield parameters of maize, DDP, DDH, and DH+DP are most effective soil management practices for maximizing maize productivity under water limited conditions, particularly the semi-arid region.
Authors : Maina, K.D., Tya, T.S.K., Umaru, A.B. and Zamdayu, W.J.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 24th September 2026