Enhancing Maize Productivity: The Impact of Localized Irrigation Systems and Humus Compound Fertilizers in Sandy Soils

MANSOUR, Hani; Abd El-Hady, Mohamed; Saad, Sherif; Azab, Nahed; Hashesh, Wafaa

doi:10.21608/agro.2024.328444.1534

Enhancing Maize Productivity: The Impact of Localized Irrigation Systems and Humus Compound Fertilizers in Sandy Soils

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ National Research Centre, Agricultural and Biological Research Institute, Water Relations and Field Irrigation Department, Cairo, Egypt

² Water Relations and Field Irrigation Dept., Agricultural and Biological Research Institute, NRC, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

³ Soil and Water Use Dept., Agricultural and Biological Research Institute, NRC, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/agro.2024.328444.1534

Abstract

Current challenges in agriculture include limited irrigation water availability, outdated irrigation techniques, and poor soil quality in arid areas that negatively impact agricultural productivity, energy consumption in processing, and fertilizer market. Field experiments were conducted during the 2022/2023 growing season at the National Center for Experimental Research in Nubaria, Egypt, to study the impact of different localized irrigation systems (LIS) and organic compound fertilizers (HCF) on water and fertilizer productivity in maize crop. Three irrigation technologies were evaluated: micro-sprinkler irrigation (MSIS), bubbler irrigation (BIS), and drip irrigation (DIS). Results showed that localized irrigation systems significantly improved grain yield and water productivity, with BIS being the best irrigation strategy, providing the highest yield due to optimal water management. Additionally, increasing nitrogen fertilizer treatments, especially at 100 kg/acre, enhanced productivity and fertilizer productivity. The study recommends the application of bubbler irrigation system (BIS) in maize cultivation to improve productivity and maximize water productivity. It also calls for increased use of nitrogen fertilizers to enhance grain production, and supports the integration of efficient irrigation and fertilization techniques for sustainable agriculture. The findings emphasize the need to use dedicated irrigation and fertilization techniques to improve maize productivity and resource efficiency, which is critical for sustainable agriculture in dry areas.

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