Effects of drip irrigation on dry matter accumulation,ear characteristics and yield of spring maize with high planting densities

In order to determine the suitable drip irrigation quotas,the effects of different irrigation quantity on dry matter accumulation,ear characteristics,yield of spring maize(Zea mays L.)with high planting densities were studied,which will provide a scientific basis for reasonable water use for high density maize cultivation in the region. Three irrigation treatments were established,which were2/3 of the local average irrigation quantity,the local average irrigation quantity and 4/3 of the local average irrigation quantity. The response of different irrigation quantity on corn dry matter accumulation,panicle traits,yield were studied using analysis of variance,correlation analysis,multiple regression analysis. The results showed that,compared to the average irrigation quantity,the dry matter accumulation of reproductive organs after seed formation period,post-flowering dry matter distribution ratio,grain numbers per ear,1 000 grain weight,ear length,ear diameter,kernels per row,panicle weight,weight of grains per panicle,maize yield were significantly decreased with the decrease of irrigation water quantity,while irrigation water increase had no obvious effect on the indicators.The length of bald tip was negatively correlated with the irrigation amount,and other indicators were positively correlated with irrigation quantity. The yield of single ear of maize was mainly restricted by grain number and 1 000-grain weight per ear. The average irrigation amount of 6 750 m3/hm~2 in this experimental area can ensure high yield of maize(yield ≥ 15 000 kg/hm~2),and the reduced 1/3 irrigation amount can significantly reduce maize yield,while the increased 1/3 irrigation amount has no obvious effect on yield,resulting in water resource waste.