Seasonal rainfall patterns affect rainfed maize production more than management of soil moisture and different plant densities on sandy soils of semi-arid regions

In semi-arid regions, rainfed maize production is constrained by erratic rainfall and water loss through percolation, especially on sandy soils. This study evaluated the effects of sub-surface water retention technology (SWRT) and varying plant densities on maize performance over four cropping seasons in Mutare, Zimbabwe. SWRT increased grain yield by 21% and biomass by 13%, though seasonal rainfall variation had a greater impact. Rainwater use efficiency (RWUE) improved with higher plant density, particularly in dry years. These findings highlight the need for integrated soil moisture management and optimized planting densities, alongside investments in water harvesting and irrigation infrastructure, to stabilize and enhance maize yields in semi-arid smallholder systems.

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