Grain Yield of Subsurface Microirrigated Corn as Affected by Irrigation Line Spacing

Without irrigation, crop yields are usually water-limited on the acid soils of the southeastern USA. Economically feasible irrigation systems that require less water are needed. As part of a feasibility study of subsurface microirrigation for corn (Zea mays L.) production, the effects of irrigation line spacing and irrigation water amount were investigated in a 5-yr study at Suffolk, VA. The soil was a Uchee loamy sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic Arenic Hapludult) with inclusions of Emporia loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludult). Treatments were three line spacings (0.91, 1.82, and 2.74 in apart, buried 0.38 m below and parallel to the crop row), low and high water amounts (about 41 and 62% of average pan evaporation, respectively), and a nonirrigated control. Nonirrigated grain yields ranged from 3.12 Mg ha⁻¹ (1987) to 9.73 Mg ha⁻¹ (1989). Irrigated grain yields ranged from 8.27 to 12.02 Mg ha⁻¹. Except for 1987 (the driest year), there was no significant difference between the low and high water application amounts. In 1987, corn irrigated with the higher rate yielded 34% more. Grain yields were highest with irrigation lines placed under each row (narrow spacing) and ranged from a low of 8.55 Mg ha⁻¹ (wide spacing) in 1989 to a high of 12.25 Mg ha⁻¹ (narrow spacing) in 1990. Increased amounts of irrigation water were needed with the wider line spacing to obtain corn grain yields comparable with the other two spacings. It is unlikely that the lowered yield or increased irrigation water required with wide line spacing could offset additional installation costs for the narrow spacing. Irrigation lines spaced in alternate corn row middles (1.83 m) or under the third row (2.74 m) are recommended. Contribution of the Virginia Agric. Exp. Stn. This material is based on work supported by the USDA Cooperative State Res. Service, under Project no. 6128500.