Abstract
A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of mulch and irrigation level on biomass and water use efficiency of forage maize using clay and loam soils during Autumn 2002. Two mulch levels, i.e. 0 (control) and 6.7 Mg ha 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, data regarding shoot fresh weight and leaf area index were recorded. Water use efficiency was calculated. Results revealed that wheat straw mulch significantly affected the growth of maize as it decreased in fresh weight of shoot, increased in leaf area index and water use efficiency, while soil texture affected significantly the leaf area index mostly in clayey soil. More growth of maize fodder was noticed in clayey soil than that in loamy soil. Maximum plant growth was noted in the case of 10 (100 % CWR) followed by 12 (60% CWR) and I, (80% CWR) in most of the cases for all the growth parameters studied. Interactions between mulch and soil texture was found statistically significant as increase in parameters like leaf area index, water use efficiency and decreased in biomass were observed. Key words: Mulch, irrigation, texture, potential evapotranspiration, forage maize, biomass, water use efficiency
