Sustainability of Soil Physical Properties Using Mushroom Residues and Surface/Subsurface Drip Irrigation Under Different Irrigation Water Levels and Their Impact on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Volume 17, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Page 133-147

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

1 soil and water sources college of agriculture university of kirkuk iraq

2 soil and water sources college of agriculture university of Kirkuk Iraq

Abstract
ABSTRACT
Soil physical properties are critical for agricultural productivity due to their direct and indirect effects on crop yield. Sustaining these properties requires scientific and practical approaches to maintain soil productivity and optimize irrigation efficiency. A field experiment was conducted on a clay-loam soil to study the sustainability of soil physical properties using mushroom residues and surface/subsurface drip irrigation under varying water levels and their impact on maize growth and yield during the autumn season of 2024 at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Kirkuk. The experiment included three factors: Irrigation method surface drip irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation Water stress levels (100%, 65%, 45% of net irrigation depth). Mushroom residue application (with/without 0.2% residue by experimental unit weight). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-split plot arrangement and three replicates. Irrigation was applied at 50% depletion of available water. Key findings:
Subsurface drip irrigation reduced bulk density (1.37 Mg m⁻³) and increased mean weight diameter (1.21 mm), total porosity (53.98%), cumulative infiltration (98.5 cm hr⁻¹), plant height (210.41 cm), leaf area (5671.87 cm² plant⁻¹), and total seed yield (11.86 Mg ha⁻¹) compared to surface drip. 100% irrigation level minimized bulk density and maximized soil structural indices and maize yield. Conversely, 45% irrigation increased bulk density and reduced growth parameters. Mushroom residues improved soil physical/hydraulic properties and maize growth: bulk density (1.01 Mg m⁻³), total porosity (57.52%), mean weight diameter (1.60 mm), plant height (227.46 cm), leaf area (5839.84 cm² plant⁻¹), and yield (12.92 Mg ha⁻¹)

Keywords

Subjects
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