Design and evaluation of simple pvc drip irrigation system

Maize (Zea mays, L.) is an important staple crop and has contributed significantly in ensuring food security and the growth of Ghanäs economy. Its productivity over the years has been limited by unpredictable rainfall pattern. The experiment was conducted to design and evaluate a simple PVC drip irrigation system using akposoe maize variety as a test crop, during the 2011 major growing season in a semi-decidous environment in Kumasi, Ghana. Irrigation water applied at the surface (0 cm), 20 cm, and 40 cm below surface, with ¿No irrigation¿ as control forming the four treatments. The design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and was replicated four times. The depth at which irrigation water is applied significantly influenced maize growth and dry matter yield. Ten weeks after planting, water applied at 20 cm depth below the ground surface, produced the tallest plant (177.85 cm), biggest stem girth (8.95 cm ) and highest dry matter yield (6085.06 kg/ha). The highest number of leaves (13.15) was recorded in the treatment where water was applied 20 cm below surface and at 0 cm depth.