Seasonal rainfall patterns affect rainfed maize production more than management of soil moisture and different plant densities on sandy soils of semi-arid regions
2025
Madamombe, Sandra Makaita | Nyamadzawo, George | Öborn, Ingrid | Smucker, Alvin | Chirinda, Ngonidzashe | Kihara, Job | Nkurunziza, Libère
In semi-arid regions, erratic rainfall and water losses through percolation are causing low yields of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) grown on sandy soils. This study evaluated the effects of soil moisture management and different plant densities across four cropping seasons on rainfed maize performance. The study was conducted on a smallholder farm with sandy soils in a semi-arid district of Mutare, Zimbabwe. In a split-plot experimental design, low-density polyethylene membranes installed below the root growth zone known as sub-surface water retention technology (SWRT) and the control were main treatments and three different plant densities were sub-treatments. Maize performance including plant height, leaf chlorophyll, biomass and grain yields and rainwater use efficiency (RWUE) were monitored. Results showed that, while SWRT significantly increased maize grain yield by 21 % and total biomass yield by 13 % across seasons, this effect was smaller than that caused by the seasonal rainfall variation. In wet years, maize grain yield ranged from 3.0 to 5.8 t ha−1, while in dry years, it ranged from 0.7 to 1.2 t ha−1. RWUE of the maize increased significantly with plant density and was higher in dry (305 mm) compared to wet (780 mm) seasons. This study provides evidence of the need to optimize available water resources to increase maize grain yields under semi-arid conditions through integrated soil moisture management and optimised maize planting densities. It also highlights the need to invest in water harvesting and irrigation infrastructure to improve control over water resources and facilitate higher yields and yield stability.
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