Determining Application Efficiency of Maize Crop Using Environscan for Okara Pakistan

Abstract

Efficient water management is vital for sustainable maize production, particularly in water-stressed regions like Tehsil Okara, Pakistan, This study aims to determine the irrigation application efficiency of maize crops in Tehsil Okara by utilizing Environscan, Environscan probes was installed at multiple soil depths (15 cm, 30 cm, and 60 cm) to monitor real-time soil moisture dynamics throughout the maize growth cycle. Data were collected on soil moisture levels, irrigation volumes applied, and evapotranspiration rates to assess crop water requirements accurately. Application efficiency was calculated by evaluating the amount of water retained within the root zone relative to the total water applied. Field experiments were conducted under different irrigation methods, including flood, furrow, and drip irrigation, to compare their efficiency and effectiveness. The study also incorporated meteorological data, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, to estimate the crop's evapotranspiration rates and correlate them with soil moisture dynamics. Statistical tools, such as ANOVA, were used to analyze the differences in efficiency among the irrigation methods and their impact on maize yield. Economic analysis was also performed to evaluate the cost-benefit of integrating Environscan technology into irrigation practices. The findings of this research are expected to provide actionable insights into optimizing irrigation scheduling, conserving water resources, and improving maize productivity. The study aims to promote the adoption of precision irrigation  technologies like Environscan among farmers. This work serves as a model for integrating advanced monitoring systems to achieve sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions, contributing to enhanced water use efficiency, reduced resource wastage, and improved agricultural resilience to climate variability.