Growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by irrigation levels and chemical weed management in drip irrigated paired row system of maize

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya during kharif 2018 to study the effect of drip irrigation levels and chemical weed management in paired row system of maize. The factorial- RCBD experiment consisted of two factor combination with 10 treatments and three replications, the results revealed that, irrigation at 80 or 100% CPE level recorded statistically comparable kernel yield (7,083 to 7,474 kg ha-1), stover yield (9,430 to 9,687 kg ha-1), WUE (143 to 147 kg ha-1), growth and yield parameter. However, 100% CPE irrigation level recorded a little higher economics such as net return and B: C ratio. Whereas, Pre emergence application of atrazine @ 1.25 kg a.i. ha-1 at 3 DAS recorded higher kernel yield (8,310 kg ha-1) and stover yield (11,615 kg ha-1) followed by rest of chemical weed control practices and were comparable with hand weeding twice at 30 and 45 DAS. Additionally, weed control efficiency (90.37%), net return (Rs.68028 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.63) were higher with Pre emergence application of atrazine @ 1.25 kg a.i. ha-1 at 3 DAS. The yield reduction in unweeded control was 42%.