Effects of Water Quality on some Physiological Properties of Silage Maize (Zea mays) under Different Tillage Practices

In recent years, solutions for agricultural water scarcity such as reducing water losses

and leakages, expanding alternative water resources such as treated wastewater, and applying watersaving technologies have been presented within the scope of adaptation to climate change. Among these

solutions, no-tillage technique also has been investigated to enhance agricultural sustainability since it

improves the structure of the soil and ensures the preservation of soil moisture. This research was

conducted to investigate the effects of tillage techniques (conventional and no-tillage) and water quality

(freshwater and wastewater) on chlorophyll content, leaf area index, leaf relative water content and

electrolyte leakage of silage maize. Chlorophyll content, leaf area index, and electrolyte leakage of

silage maize found statistically significant at different levels for measured parameters. However, leaf

relative water content found statistically non-significant. Using wastewater as irrigation water increased

chlorophyll content by 4.5% as compared to freshwater irrigation and no-tillage practice increased

chlorophyll content roughly 2.1% as compared to conventional tillage practice. Leaf area index

increased by 5% under wastewater irrigation as compared to freshwater irrigation. Electrolyte leakage

occurred 15.2% more under wastewater irrigation as compared to freshwater irrigation while it was

4.8% more under no-tillage practice as compared to conventional soil tillage.