In the heart of India’s agricultural landscape, where water scarcity is a growing concern, researchers are finding innovative ways to optimize water use in crops like spring maize. A recent study conducted by Khushkarandeep Singh and his team at the Centre for Water Management and Technology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, has shed light on promising techniques to enhance water productivity in this water-intensive crop.
The study, published in the journal ‘Agricultural Water Management’ (which translates to ‘Water Management in Agriculture’), focused on integrating various agro-techniques to promote sustainable production of spring maize in groundwater-stressed regions of northwestern India. The research team assessed different combinations of planting methods, mulching, irrigation methods, and irrigation scheduling to find the most efficient water use strategies.
One of the key findings was that pneumatic broad-bed planting with furrow irrigation resulted in significant water savings and improved apparent water productivity (AWP) compared to traditional ridge planting. “Integrating pneumatic broad-bed planting with surface drip irrigation without straw mulching saved 26–27% irrigation water and improved AWP by 43–44%,” said Khushkarandeep Singh, the lead author of the study. This technique not only conserves water but also has the potential to increase net returns for farmers, making it a commercially viable option.
The study also explored the use of sub-surface drip irrigation (SSDI) in combination with pneumatic broad-bed planting and straw mulching. This combination increased grain yield by 16–19% and AWP by 35–73%, while saving 14–31% irrigation water and 20% fertilizers compared to traditional methods. “The combination of pneumatic broad-bed planting with straw mulch at 9 t/ha and SSDI at 30% depletion of available soil moisture showed the most promising results,” Singh explained.
The implications of this research are significant for the agricultural sector, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. By adopting these integrated agro-techniques, farmers can not only enhance water productivity but also improve their economic returns. This study provides a roadmap for sustainable maize production, which is crucial for food security and environmental conservation.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, innovations like these are essential. The research by Singh and his team offers a glimpse into the future of agriculture, where technology and sustainable practices go hand in hand. “Our findings highlight the importance of integrating multiple agro-techniques to optimize water use and enhance productivity,” Singh concluded. This approach could pave the way for similar studies in other crops and regions, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.