Irrigation Scheduling and Row Configurations for Corn in the Southeastern Coastal Plain

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
POOR rainfall distribution and soil physical conditions such as high soil strength and low water-holding capacity often limit production of crops such as corn (Zea mays L.) in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. To produce high and profitable corn yields in this region, proper water, nutrient, and cultural practices must be implemented. This study was conducted to determine whether different irrigation scheduling methods, row configurations, plant populations, or fertilization programs could improve energy or water efficiency or improve corn yields. Nonirrigated production was compared to irrigated production where irrigation was scheduled by two methods. In 1980 irrigation was initiated when soil-water tensions reached either 25 (TENS 25) or 50 kPa (TENS 50) in the 30- to 60-cm depth range. In 1981 and 1982, irrigation was initiated when soil-water tension in this depth range reached 25 kPa or when indicated by a computer-based water balance (CBWB). Irrigated treatments produced an overall average corn yield of 12.08 Mg/ha while the nonirrigated treatment produced an average yield of 6.70 Mg/ha. There were no significant differences in corn yield between scheduling methods, but, compared to nonirrigated treatments, irrigation increased yields 150, 161, and 8 percent in 1980, 1981, and 1982, respectively. The CBWB consistently overestimated available soil-water volume both years, particularly during pollination and early grain fill periods when evapotranspiration was high. Row configurations evaluated included single rows spaced 96 cm apart and twin rows spaced 30 cm apart on 96-cm centers. The twin-row configuration significantly increased corn grain yield each year by an average of 0.64 Mg/ha presumably because of reduced intrarow competition for water and increased light interception...

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: