Contribution of land drainage innovation to maize (Zea mays) yield improvement in waterlogged farmers’ field, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Irrigation is a primary engine for economic growth in drylands. However, it suffers from waterlogging due to seepage, such as in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a stone-trench drainage innovation on the yield and growth components of maize (Zea mays L.). A completely randomized experimental design with three replications was adopted. The study combined three soil amendments: T1 (dam silt application at a rate of 34.32 ton ha^-1), T2 (without dam silt and manure application of farmers’ practice), and T3 (manure application at a rate of 12.00 ton ha^-1) in combination with drainage and without drainage. Yield and growth components were recorded and analysed using analysis of variance. Financial analysis of the innovation, as well as field day demonstrations and evaluations, were carried out. The results indicated that crop growth in non-drained condition was delayed on average by 4.2 days to 50% germination, 22.8 days to the start of flowering, 7.8 days to the start of silking, and 27.9 days to 50% silking. Moreover, the plots with drainage resulted in an average of 5-fold higher grain yield than non-drained condition. Subsequently, a highly significant statistical difference (p ≤ 0.01) in grain yield was observed between the two conditions. The financial analysis indicated a positive net benefit after three years since installation of the innovation. Moreover, the plots within the drainage condition were preferred most by up to 90% of the field day participants'. Stone-trench drainage innovation can, thus, be promoted in waterlogged irrigation fields.