Influence of irrigation levels and mulch practices on growth and physiological indices of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2024-25 to evaluate the influence of irrigation levels and various mulch practices on the growth and physiological indices of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) at the Instructional farm, Department of Agronomy, Dr. BSKKV, College of Agriculture, Dapoli. Plant growth analysis, which quantifies net photosynthetic production and the plant's ability to produce dry matter, is a powerful approach to compare crop performance and understand its integrated response to external factors. Key physiological parameters assessed included absolute growth rate (AGR) for plant height and dry matter production, crop growth rate (CGR) for dry matter production, relative growth rate (RGR) for dry matter production, net assimilation rate (NAR) for dry matter production, and leaf area ratio (LAR). The experimental results showed that optimal irrigation at 100% ETc through drip and use of wool mulch enriched with micronutrients consistently enhanced AGR for plant height and dry matter production, as well as CGR for dry matter production. While NAR showed variability, indicating complex physiological adjustments, treatments promoting higher overall biomass accumulation through improved AGR and CGR were critical for enhanced sweet corn production. These findings highlight the importance of integrated nutrient and water management practices in maximizing sweet corn growth potential.