Production potential prediction of maize (Zea mays) based on edaphic characters in Udaipur district of Rajasthan

Abstract

A study was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2002-05 to evaluate production potential of soils of Changeri watershed in 4.2 Agro-Ecological Sub-Region of Udaipur district of Rajasthan for maize crop (Zea mays L.). The yield was monitored at farmer's field consecutively during kharif season of 2003, 2004 and 2005. Multivariate regression model was developed to relate maize to set of outlined independent variables, which is the direct extension of polynomial regression equation of one dependent variable with 7 independent variables. Multiple regression equation was developed using the yield data of 2003. After getting the regression equation the yield was predicted in 2004 and 2005 and then compared with the actual yield observed at farmer's fields. It was observed that the shallow depth soil due to low available water content, higher slopes and with moderate to high management the predicted and observed yield ranged from 0.3 to 1.6 tonnes/ha. While in medium depth soil the yield varied from 1.25 to 2.15 tonnes/ha and in deep soil the yield varied from 1.6 tonnes/ha in rainfed condition to 3.05 tonnes/ha in irrigated condition.