Effect of Different Soil Moisture Contents on Maize (Zea mays) Seed Emergence

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most-widely grown grains in Sri Lanka. However, farmers who cultivate maize have been facing both water logging conditions and low water conditions for a long period due to irregular rain patterns. This study was conducted to examine the survival of the maize seedling under various soil moisture conditions. The emergence of three varieties of maize i.e. open pollinated variety (OPV) Badra, the local hybrid variety MI Maize Hy and the imported variety Pacific-999, were examined at different soil moisture levels. Soil moisture was controlled under six treatments. High moisture levels (H) were maintained by using both drip irrigation and capillary action. By varying the water application, low moisture (L), normal moisture (N), and intermediate moisture (I) levels were maintained. Soil moisture was measured daily using a Time–Domain Reflectometer (TDR) and the number of seeds that emerged was examined. All treatments including H1, H2, L1 and N showed low emergence 19%, 13%, 4%, and 17%, respectively, irrespective of the variety. The highest mean moisture levels were H1 and H2, and excessive water levels led to the deterioration of seeds. In response to a lack of water in the soil maize undergoes a series of modifications including poor seedling growth and wilting symptoms. Further, pre-treating maize with anoxia or hypoxia boosts its resistance to waterlogging conditions. As a result, limited seed emergence was observed. A good emergence of seed (60–70%) was observed when soil moisture was at the field capacity level (29.3%). Successful emergence could not be observed when the moisture level was lower than the field capacity. According to the findings, it is suggested that the planting season of the selected varieties be adjusted based on soil moisture content.