Integrated Water Management Systems to Achieve Optimum Corn Production

Where appropriate integrated water management systems, including controlled drainage and subirrigation have the potential to increase crop yields.Integrated water management systems offer agricultural producers the opportunity to improve soil conditions for crop productivity through improved drainage and subsurface irrigation (i.e. subirrigation). Integrated water management systems are used primarily to eliminate water-related factors that limit crop production. Although crop stress due to excess soil water conditions is the typical concern for reduced yields on poorly drained soils, yields may also be significantly reduced by soil water deficit stress due to insufficient or untimely rainfall during the growing season. For example, corn requires between 18 and 22 inches of soil moisture during most growing seasons to achieve maximum yield potential. Water demands by corn are highest during pollination and early kernel development.