Impacto del estrés hídrico en el rendimiento del maíz (Zea mays L.), en Mocache, Ecuador

This study evaluated the impact of deficit irrigation on maize development. A randomized complete block design with four irrigation levels was used during the dry season: T1 (40% ETc), T2 (60% ETc), T3 (80% ETc), and T4 (100% ETc). No significant differences were found in the number of leaves per plant. In the first 45 days, water deficit did not affect plant height, but by 60 days, T4 achieved the greatest height (1.98 m), followed by T2 (1.72 m). Stem diameter showed a similar pattern, with T4 (17.10 mm) and T2 (15 mm) standing out at 60 days. The highest yield was obtained with T4 (16.68 t ha⁻¹), followed by T3 (14.75 t ha⁻¹). T4 exhibited a 13.14% reduction in height and a 12.28% reduction in stem diameter compared to T2, with a 40% water saving. T1 showed the highest water use efficiency (14.04 kg/m³), while T4 had the lowest (7.19 kg/m³). Although T4 yielded more, T1 was more efficient in water use.