Modeling the Effect of Different Stress Conditions on Maize Productivity Using Yield-Stress Model

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted in 2005 and 2006 growing seasons at El-Kalubia Governorate, Egypt to collect data on maize yield of three cultivars to be used to validate Yield-Stress model. The objectives of this research were to use Yield-Stress model to predict maize yield: (i) under deducting 20% of the total irrigation. (ii) under saline water irrigation with EC=2 dS/m. (iii) under deducting 20% of the total irrigation with EC=2 dS/m. (iv) under heat stress. The model prediction gave a good agreement with measured yield and water consumptive use. Results also indicated that potential maize yield could be reduced by 4.29 and 4.87% in 2005 and 2006 growing seasons, respectively if the amount of total irrigation was reduced by 20%. Under salinity conditions (EC=2dS/m), the potential maize yield could be reduced by 3.29 and 4.21% in 2005 and 2006 growing seasons, respectively.Using deficit saline irrigation could reduce yield by 6.80 and 7.84% for the 1st and the 2nd season, respectively. Finally, if current temperature would increase by 1.5 ºC, the potential maize yield could be reduced by up to 9.5%. Therefore, defeating these stresses conditions could improve maize growth environment and improve final yield.