Effect of perlite, vermicompost and Aquasorb on reducing drought stress effects in dual-purpose maize

Subject Areas : Agroecology Journal

Hoseyn Ade Morteza Pasha ¹ , Mehdi Tajbakhsh ²

1 - Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2 - Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

Received: 2017-12-22 Accepted : 2018-06-19 Published : 2018-05-22

Keywords:  drought stress,  hydrogels,  moisture absorbers,  perlite,  vermicompost,

Abstract :

Water scarcity and drought stress are one of the most important problems in crop production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, such as Iran. The use of some additives, such as superabsorbent polymers, can help maintain soil moisture and optimal use of limited water resources.  This study was conducted to determine the effect of moisture, aqueous and fertilizer adsorbents on the effects of drought stress reduction on maize 678. . The experiment was factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments including perlite, vermicompost, superabsorbent  Aquasorb and  no concomption, and three irrigation cycles of 40, 80 and 120 mm evaporation from class A standard pan.  Plant height, number of seeds per row, ear diameter, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index were measured at physiological harvesting time. Application of three levels of perlite, vermicompost and Aquasorb increased the growth indices and yield levels. In this study, consumption of perlite and Aquasorb with irrigation intervals of 40 mm evaporation from pan was more effective than yield and yield components than vermicompost treatment. Vermicompost consumption with irrigation interval of 40 ml evaporation from pan increased yield. Therefore, the use of perlite and Aquasorb polymers in order to achieve optimal yield in maize 678 is recommended under drought stress conditions