EFFECT OF MIXING RATIOS OF MAIZE AND MUNG BEAN ON GROWTH AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF SPROUTED GREEN FODDER IN HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of mixing maize and mung beans at different ratios of growth and water use efficiency of sprouted hydroponic fodder. A completely randomized design with three replications were used in which Maize an Mung beans were mixed at 100:0(T1), 75:25(T2), 50:50(T3), 25:75(T4) and 0:100(T5). All irrigated with only clean water for 9 days. The parameters measured were shoot height, root length, root layer thickness, yield, water use and efficiency. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) in the shoot height, root length and root layer thickness. Also there was significant difference (P<0.05) on yield, water use and efficiency among the treatments. Average daily water use efficiency was similarly significant (P<0.05). On addictive effect analysis of growth and water use efficiency, T4(MB+M+MUE) and T3(M+MUE) was found to be most desirable. Hydroponic farmers are therefore at liberty to mix maize and mung bean (cereal and legume) at a ratio of up to 25;75 for improved growth of cereal fodder.