Optimization of Limited Irrigation Schedules for Spring Maize (Zea mays) in a Desert Oasis Region

Abstract:

An experiment was carried out to optimize limited irrigation (LI) schedules for spring maize in a desert oasis region. The grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and integrated evaluation index for soil nutrients (IEISN) in 0~40 cm soil depth of maize field subject to LI were selected as the synthetical factors in evaluating and optimizing the LI schedules. The unifactor matrix and weighing coefficient matrixes of evaluating factors were formed for fuzzy judgement and the synthetical evaluation index (SEI) determination. Compared to the minimum in MI₄, the SEI for spring maize was respectively improved by 46.5%, 20.9%, 38.9%, 27.8%, and 23.8% in MI₁, MI₂, MI₃, MI₅, and CK. Therefore, the MI₁ irrigation regime was recommended as the optimized LI schedule for spring maize in the desert oasis region due to its maximum SEI caused by the least water application, maximum grain yield, WUE, and IWUE, and 95.2% of the maximum IEISN.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 389)
• Pages: 73-77
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.389.73
• Online since: August 2013
• Authors: Heng Jia Zhang, Jun Hui Li
• Keywords: Desert Oasis, Limited Irrigation, Optimization of Irrigation Schedules, Spring Maize, Synthetical Evaluation Index

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