Relative impact of in-situ moisture conservation and row spacing’s on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties under rainfed condition

Rainfed agriculture has a high yield potential if rainfall and land resources are effectively used. In this study, a field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2011 at Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm of C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The treatment comprised 12 combinations of 2 varieties (Azad Uttam and Azad Kamal), with 2 row spacings (45 and 60 cm) and 3 moisture conservation practices viz. one weeding and hoeing by khurpi after 20 days of sowing, ridging and furrowing with the help of spade at 20 days after sowing in between the crop rows and Atrazine (pre-emergence) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha. The maximum values of crop growth and yield attributes were recorded in variety ‘Azad Uttam’ than Azad 'Kamal'. It yielded 24.82 q / ha grain yield, against 21.35 q / ha grain yield, of variety 'Azad Kamal'. The row spacing of 45 cm produced 23.79 q / ha grain yield, against 22.37 q / ha grain yield, under 60 cm row spacing. These findings demonstrate that when there are fluctuations in rainfall, in-situ moisture conservation practices effect growth and yield of maize.