Comparative study of variable irrigation scheduling and moisture retention practices on sweet corn yield and growth

Abstract

A comparative study was conducted to assess the effect of variable irrigation scheduling and moisture retention practices on the growth, yield, and agronomic performance of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment aimed to optimize water use efficiency and enhance crop productivity through improved moisture management strategies. Different irrigation intervals were applied alongside moisture conservation treatments such as mulching and soil amendments to evaluate their influence on key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation. Results indicated that optimized irrigation schedules, combined with effective moisture retention practices, significantly improved the yield and growth of sweet corn compared to conventional practices. Treatments with longer irrigation intervals paired with mulching exhibited higher water-use efficiency without compromising crop performance. These findings underscore the importance of integrating moisture retention techniques with variable irrigation schedules to achieve sustainable sweet corn production, particularly in water-limited regions.