Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #236997
Title: No Drain, No Gain. Maximize Corn Production with Good Surface and Internal Drainage

Author
item TACKER, PHIL - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
item Vories, Earl
item HUITINK, GARY - HUITINK CONSULTING

Submitted to: Corn South
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2009
Publication Date: 2/9/2009
Citation: Tacker, P., Vories, E.D., Huitink, G. 2009. No drain, no gain. Maximize corn production with good surface and internal drainage. Corn South. 2:18-19.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Adequate drainage is necessary for maximum corn production. Poor drainage hampers field operations from field preparation through harvest and limits the effectiveness of irrigation. Eliminating poorly drained areas preserves natural soil productivity by reducing field rutting that requires additional tillage. Poorly drained areas reduce yields and often require the most tillage. Water infiltration is also reduced if soil is tilled when it is too wet. Good field drainage complements all crop production practices and makes it possible to consider reduced or no-till corn production. The goal for drainage is to have minimal standing water on a field 24 hours after a rainfall or irrigation.