(Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2015) OKUNADE, David Adebimpe
The study evaluated soil moisture retention potentials in the various soil-water conservation (SWC) and management practices and examined the growth and yield response of maize to on-farm SWC methods with or without rain water harvesting (RWH). it also determined the water-use efficiency (WUE) of maize under the rained and RWH systems, and adapted and tested the Aqua crop model to simulated and predict maize yield in the systems. Furthermore, it validated the model and provided RWH and water management schemes consistent with optimal yield performance with a view to mitigating the effects of droughts and dry spells on maize (Zea Mays L.) cultivation.