EFFECT OF INTRA-ROW SPACING AND IN-SITU MOISTURE CONSERVATION ON YIELD COMPONENTS AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AT JIGJIGA, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Realizing the importance of developing appropriate cultural practices for maize in Jijjiga area, a study was conducted for one season in 2016 with the objectives to (1) assessing the effect of intra-row spacing and in-situ moisture conservation methods on yield components and yield of maize; and (2) estimate the economically feasible intra-row spacing and in-situ moisture conservation methods for higher productivity of maize. Three intra-row spacing (20, 25 and 30 cm) and four in-situ moisture conservation practices (tied ridge + mulching, flat + mulching, tied ridge and flat planting) were used in factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Significantly the longest period (67.08) days to tasseling and silking (72.92) days were obtained from the highest plant spacing of 20 cm. Significantly the longest duration (6.78) days to emergence, tasseling (68.11) days and silking (74.22) days were obtained from flat planting. Significantly the longest duration (106.1) days to physiological maturity was recorded at intra-row spacing of 30 cm. The longest (107.7) days to physiological maturity was obtained from tied ridge + mulching. The tallest ear height (54.43 cm) was obtained from the highest plant spacing of 20 cm. The tallest ear height (65.87 cm) and longest ear length (28.07cm) were obtained from of tied ridge + mulching. The tallest (147.9 cm) plant was recorded by tied ridge + mulching at 20 cm intrarow spacing. The highest (1.36) number of ears per plant and thousand kernel (225.67g) weight were obtained from tied ridge + mulching. The highest (3857 kg ha-1) grain and (10026kg ha-1) aboveground biomass were recorded by tied ridge + mulching x 20 cm intrarow spacing. It may be concluded that maize may be planted at 20 cm intra-row spacing on tie ridge + mulching for greater yield and economically feasible which has the highest net benefit (ETB 23973.87 ha-1) with marginal rate of return (MRR) of 248.28%. Hence, intra- row spacing of 20 cm and tie ridge + mulching (TRM) was found to be preferable