Studies on optimization of agro techniques to maximize productivity of winter mize Zea mays L and evalution of dassat V3 5 ceres maize model

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted at Agricultural College farm Dharwad during newlinerabi seasons of 1998-99 and 1999-2000 under irrigated condition. The results revealed that newlinethe single cross maize hybrid DMH-2 planted during II and / or I fortnight of October recorded newlinesignificantly higher grain yield (8553 and 8255 kg ha-1 respectively), net returns (Rs.30165 newlineand 29145 ha-1 respectively) and B: C ratio (3.09 and 3.02 respectively) over other treatment newlinecombinations. newlineIrrigation scheduling at 0.9 IW: CPE ratio coupled with plant density of 111111 plants newlineha-1 and 150 per cent recommended nitrogen application (225 kg ha-1 ) produced significantly newlinehigher grain yield (8894 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs 31959 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.96) as newlinecompared to other treatment combinations. newlineThe required genetic co-efficients for maize varieties were generated with the help of newlineGENCALC programme. The simulation studies on growth and yield due to the effect of newlinegenotypes and planting dates, irrigation scheduling coupled with plant densities and nitrogen newlinelevels carried out by making use of minimum data sets such as weather, soil and newlineexperimental details. The CERES maize simulation results on growth and yield of maize viz., newlineLAI, days to anthesis and maturity, grain, stover and biomass yield, harvest index, grain newlineweight, grains ear-1, grain number m-2, water used and nitrogen uptake were very accurate newlineand within the permissible tendency (less than 10 percent) towards over estimation and/ or newlineunder estimation except for leaf number plant-1 where in CERES model over estimated to the newlineextent of more than ten percent which emphasized the need for precise estimation of PHINT newlinevalue. In addition, the simulated NO3 nitrogen accumulation, NO3 nitrogen leaching and newlinedrainage water helped in the interpretation of input use such as water and nitrogen. It is newlineconcluded that DSSAT v 3.5 maize model is very robust in predicting the growth and yield of newlinemaize as influenced by agro-techniques and could be used in wider perspective.