Yield response of corn to a subirrigation/drainage management system in northern Ohio

On most soils, even in the humid Midwest, lack of sufficient moisture at critical times often limits crop yields. Subirrigation/drainage (SLD) is a relatively new concept in water management, where drain Lines are used both to add or remove water from the soil to maintain a constant water table. By the use of a SID system, significant increases in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) yields have been obtained. The potential also exists for SID to increase corn (Zea mays L.) yields. The objective of this research was to determine whether corn yields could be increased and stabilized at high yield levels by the use of SID systems. Two 3-yr SLD studies on corn were conducted, one at Wooster in northeastern Ohio, 1990 to 1992, on Ravenna silt loam (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Aeric Fragiaqualfs), and one in northwestern Ohio, 1992 to 1994, near Hoytville on a Hoytville silty clay loam (fine, illitic, mesic Mollic Ochraqualfs). Results of this research indicated significant increases in corn yields can be obtained in dry years but in favorable moisture years little yield increase was observed. These data indicate that corn yields can be stabilized at high levels (180 to 200 bu/acre) by the use of SID, resulting in higher long term average yields.