Application of Water Saving Irrigation Technology on Corn for Seed

A field experiment was conducted to determine the application effects of different water-saving irrigation technologies on corn for seed.Soil moisture was measured using TDR and for crop indexes were determined by conventional methods at the same time.Soil moisture variations,and growth and development dynamics,water consumption,yield and economic benefit of the plant were also determined.Total water saving,water use efficiency and yield effect were then calculated for each irrigation method.The results indicated that raised ridge,regulated deficit irrigation,free water storage irrigation techniques demonstrated desirable benefits in water saving and yield increasing.Comparing with the conventional irrigation with plastic mulch,the three new techniques saved 18.29%,5.59% and 14.74% of the total water use;improved yield by 4.20%,9.02% and 2.01%;increased income by 13.58%,7.33% and 6.24%;and enhanced water use efficiency by 27.11%,15.06 % and 19.28%,respectively.These techniques can effectively reduce soil surface evaporation and then water needs,improve water use efficiency,improve economic efficiency but keep same level of yield at the same time.It is urgent to promote water-saving technology for industry development and regional sustainable development of economy and society in Hexi inland area.