ARS | Publication request: CORN WATER USE AND YIELD UNDER DRYLAND ROTATIONS AND LIMITED IRRIGATION

Submitted to: Colorado State University Newsletter
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: June 28, 2002
Publication Date: July 28, 2002
Citation: NIELSEN, D.C., BENJAMIN, J.G., SCHNEEKLOTH, J.P. CORN WATER USE AND YIELD UNDER DRYLAND ROTATIONS AND LIMITED IRRIGATION. COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY NEWSLETTER. 2002. V. 22, ISSUE 3, p.3-4.

Technical Abstract: Dryland corn production in Colorado have steadily increased as concerns relative to continued sufficient irrigation water supplies increase. Decisions regarding when to plant dryland corn or when and how much to irrigate can make use of existing water use-yield relationships. Corn yields generally increase by about 10.4 bu/a for every inch of water used after the first 9.1 inches of water use. But corn yields are very sensitive to water stress during the reproductive growth stage, with yields declining by 7.5 bu/a for every inch decline in precipitation between July 15 and August 25. Where irrigation water is limited, a good strategy is to irrigate only during this period. Plants will be smaller, but yields will be little affected.