Journal of Agronomy and Field Innovations

Background: Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) which includes fertigation is a new method in agriculture. It helps to improve the efficient use of nutrients and irrigation for growing important crops. This method helps to spread water and fertilizer right at the place where plants can benefit from them the most.
Purpose: The study has investigated the influence of two irrigation systems—SDI and different fertigation methods on the efficiency of fertilizer application, water efficiency during moisture usage, and its influence on crop yield.
Methodology: The study was conducted in two growing seasons on the experimental fields of IARI and block design was used for the research. Four different methods in irrigation were tested: SDI at a depth of 15 cm, SDI at 25 cm, conventional surface irrigation and furrow irrigation combined with three different systems of fertigation: conventional, variable and fixed.
Research findings: It was observed that subsurface drip irrigation system with a depth of 25 cm in combination with variable-rate fertigation based on sensors performed best. There was a greater increase in the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium absorbed compared to the results of the conventional control system. Grain yield was found to be greater by 42.3%, while water-use efficiency increased from 1.28 to 2.84 kg of harvested grain to mm.
Recommendations: This study has helped demonstrate the effectiveness and sustainability of subsurface drip irrigation systems when used with precision fertigation systems to manage nutrients in maize growing. Using such a method, it is possible to increase the uptake of fertilizers, nutrient-use and water-use efficiency, and grain yield and at the same time minimize nutrient losses to the environment.