Effect of irrigation levels and sowing methods on maize "WUE"

Rising population and industry will create dual burden on agriculture. First a large population will need more food and fiber, second agriculture will have a less reliable supply of irrigation water to meet these rising demands. Future water needs can be met by using available resources more efficiently, but in many cases it will be necessary to make increased use of low quality waters. Competition for water among agriculture, industry and domestic uses will increase 15 % of the available water resources by 2025 as against the present use of 3 %. Under the prevailing condition of aridity in Pakistan, the need of the hour is to search new water management strategies for enhancing water use efficiency and soil management strategies which could improve soil characteristics leading towards improved water harvesting. Soil water conservation is a crucial issue to be faced in future.