Narrow rows are a potential management tool to increase grain yields, total biomass, and water and nitrogen use efficiencies in irrigated systems

Authors: Delgado, Jorge; Floyd, Bradley; Brandt, Amber; D Adamo, Robert

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/3/2021
Publication Date: 7/3/2021
Citation: Delgado, J.A., Floyd, B.A., Brandt, A.D., D'Adamo, R.E. 2021. Narrow rows are a potential management tool to increase grain yields, total biomass, and water and nitrogen use efficiencies in irrigated systems. Soil and Water Conservation Society Proceedings. p. 152.

Interpretive Summary: n/a

Technical Abstract: We conducted studies from 2018 to 2020 about the potential use of narrow rows and nitrogen fertilizer to increase yields and nitrogen and water use efficiencies in Fort Collins clay loam soil at the Colorado State University-Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center (ARDEC) near Fort Collins, Colorado. Precipitation was monitored at a weather station near the plots and irrigation was applied with a lateral move sprinkler irrigation system. Statistical analysis showed that in every study, grain production and/or total biomass was increased by narrow rows and nitrogen fertilization. None of the four studies reduced yields of biomass or grain with narrow rows. Narrow rows increased biomass grain (146 days after planting [DAP]) production in three of the four studies, harvested grain (173 days DAP) in two of the four studies, and total biomass production in three of the four studies. All studies increased yields and/or total aboveground production, increasing water and nitrogen use efficiencies. These studies suggest that narrow rows are a potential best management practice to increase yields, economic returns for farmers growing silage and/or grain corn, and efficiency of water and nitrogen inputs in sprinkler-irrigated systems of the western United States.