This study demonstrates enhanced water productivity in maize through optimized drip irrigation techniques in semi-arid regions, highlighting opportunities for sustainable agriculture.
Key Points
To evaluate the impact of pulsed and continuous drip irrigation on the yield and water productivity of silage maize.
Conducted in Varamin, Iran, using a split-strip plot design with three replications.
Examined four irrigation levels providing different percentages of water needs: 120%, 100%, 80%, and 60%.
Analyzed the effects of irrigation levels on biological and fresh yield as well as water productivity.
The highest biological yield was 26 ton ha⁻¹ under pulsed over-irrigation treatment.
Maximum water productivity reached 6.72 kg m³ with deficit pulsed treatment.
Pulsed irrigation reduced deep percolation by 30% compared to continuous methods.