Soil water balance approach in root zone of maize (95-TZEEY) using capacitance probe (Diviner 2000) in northen Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Abstract

Water balance approach is the simplest method in the study of plant water consumption. The experiment was established in 4.0 x 5.0 m plots in a randomized complete block design containing six (6) treatments water application (3-days, 4-days, 5-days, 6-days, 7-days and 8-days which correspond to T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively) using gravity methods with four replications giving a total of twenty four (24) plots. One Polyvinylchloride (PVC) access tube was installed in the centre of each plots and measurements were taken daily over the growth season of March to June. The Diviner 2000 uses the method that utilizes the high dielectric constant of water
compared to soil and air to determine water content of the soil. The research result from the experimental field of maize (95-TZEEY) on measurement of soil water status using capacitance probe (Diviner 2000) for three dry seasons are presented.

Keywords: Water, Diviner, Probe, Soil