October 21, 2020
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Conventional irrigation systems are susceptible to environmental variables. Water losses can therefore be enormous. Accuracy and effectiveness drip irrigation and fertigation necessitates detailed research to facilitate adoption resource poor farmers. Two experiments were investigated in two seasons. In first experiment, effects of three drip irrigation rates were investigated for sweet maize production. Water application through drip irrigation was affected once, twice and thrice per week at the rates of 0.0035l/h, 0.0058/h, and 0.0095l/h respectively. The second experiment incorporated fertigation and Telfaria occidentalis as test crop. Water was applied as the rates of 48.3mm, 60.4mm, 72.4mm and85.5mm per cropping period while fertilizer was applied in solution form at the level of 54.6kg/ha, 68.06kg/ha, 81.92kg/ha and 95.39kg/ha. Cost benefit analysis for three irrigation water applied for sweet maize revealed that rates higher than 0.0058l/h was commensurate with revenue generated. Results obtained in the second season showed that rates greater than 60.4mm throughout the gestation period of the crop did not reflect zany yield benefit or express any significant advantage over others. Fertilizer levels greater than 68.06kg/ha should be avoided to maximize profit and control environmental pollution. Therefore drip irrigation rate of 0.0058l/h was optimum for sweet maize cultivation while 60.4mm and 68.06kg/ha of water recommended for dry season production of Telfairia occidentalis.