Abstract
A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of mulch and irrigation on nutrient uptake of forage maize using clay and loam soils during Autumn 2002. Two mulch levels, i.e. 0 (control) and 6.7 Mg ha' of wheat straw were used. Three irrigation levels viz. 100 %, 80 % and 60 % of total crop water requirement (CWR) was determined at 30 mm deficit. Maize plants were harvested twelve weeks after sowing and shoots were analyzed for N, P and K concentration and their uptake was calculated. Results revealed that there was no effect of wheat straw mulch on nutrient concentration and their uptake while N concentration and uptake in shoot significantly increased in clay than loam soil. Phosphorus concentration and uptake was more in loam soil. Interaction between mulch and soil texture was statistically significant as increase in potassium concentration in shoot was observed. Key words: Mulch, irrigation, texture, potential evapotranspiration, forage maize, concentration, uptake, shoot
