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Using an integrated crop water stress index for irrigation scheduling of two corn hybrids in a semi-arid region

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Abstract

Different thermal-based plant feedback systems have been used for irrigation management of cotton and grain crops in the Texas High Plains region, producing yields that are similar or better than irrigation scheduling using the neutron probe. However, there are limited studies using plant feedback systems to actively scheduling irrigations for corn. In this 2-year study, a drought tolerant and a conventional hybrid were managed under a variable rate center pivot irrigation system. The main treatments were manual and plant feedback irrigation scheduling based on weekly neutron probe readings and an integrated crop water stress index (CWSI), respectively. In each main treatment, three irrigation treatment levels were established. Crop responses were compared between irrigation methods and levels. Results demonstrated that overall grain and biomass yields and grain WUE for the plant feedback-control plots were similar to those from the manual-control plots for both years. These results indicate that a plant feedback system using a CWSI could be used to manage corn in a semi-arid region and over a large-sized field. The plant feedback system could provide convenience and time savings to farmers who manage multiple center pivot fields.

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Notes

  1. The mention of trade names, commercial products or companies in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge CRADA (58-3K95-0-1455-M) with Valmont Industries, Inc. Valley Nebraska, the expertise of Mr. Luke Britten, Agricultural Research Technician, USDA-ARS, Bushland, TX and funding form the Ogallala Aquifer Program, a consortium between USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Kansas State University, Texas AgriLife Extension Service & Research, Texas Tech University, and West Texas A&M University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS, Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX, USA

    Susan A. O’Shaughnessy & Steven R. Evett

  2. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oakridge, TN, USA

    Manuel A. Andrade

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  1. Susan A. O’Shaughnessy
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Correspondence to Susan A. O’Shaughnessy.

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Communicated by E. Fereres.

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O’Shaughnessy, S.A., Andrade, M.A. & Evett, S.R. Using an integrated crop water stress index for irrigation scheduling of two corn hybrids in a semi-arid region. Irrig Sci 35, 451–467 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-017-0552-x

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