Effect of Planting Methods and Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components of Maize

The research was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during May 2017. The research was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement having 4 replications. Deficit Irrigations (Full irrigation (10 irrigations), one irrigation missing at six leaves stages, one irrigation missing at twelve leaves stage, one irrigation missing at flowering stage and one irrigation missing at grain filling stage) was allotted to main plots, while planting methods (Ridge, Flat and Broadcast) was allotted to sub plots. Deficit irrigations had significant (P ≤ 0.05) affect on all parameters excluding emergence m², days to emergence, number of plants at harvest, ears plant–¹, ears m². Full irrigation (10 irrigations) had significantly more plant height (189.25 cm), 1000 grain weight (211.25 g), grain yield (3352.75 kg), shelling percentage (47.78). Whereas one irrigation missing at six leaves stages produced maximum Harvest index (33.99%). In case of planting methods, ridge planting had significantly higher plant height (186.10 cm), Plant at harvest (61316.60), thousand grain weight (205.90 g), grain yield (2948.35 kg). While broadcast planting produced high Shelling percentage (46.90). The interaction of planting methods and deficit irrigations, maize grow on ridge method and give full irrigations produced higher plant height (192 cm), ridge and one irrigation missing at six leaves stages had more Harvest index (35.06%)) and high Shelling percentage (49.27)was obtained on broadcast planting with full irrigation. On the basis of the above results it is recommended that in water scarce area grow maize on ridge planting method and give deficit irrigation at vegetative stage (one irrigation missing at six leaves stages) in order to increase water productivity (Efficiency).