Soybean and Corn

Authors: Heatherly, Larry; Ray, Jeffery - Jeff

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Monograph Series
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2003
Publication Date: 1/1/2007
Citation: Heatherly, L.G., Ray, J.D. 2007. Soybean and Corn. American Society of Agronomy Monograph Series. p. 477-533.

Interpretive Summary: This is a book chapter. No interpretive summary required.

Technical Abstract: Scientists, Extension Service personnel, agricultural consultants, and producers throughout the US corn- and soybean-producing region need up-to-date and accurate information that will lead to profitable irrigation management. A chapter entitled "Soybean and Corn" has been written for inclusion in an updated American Society of Agronomy monograph entitled "Irrigation of Agricultural Crops". This chapter has detailed sections that provide up-to-date, pertinent information for both the southern and Great Plains regions where sizeable areas of the two crops are irrigated. Subjects covered are: 1) crop responses to water-deficit stress; 2) criteria for selecting proper cultivars/hybrids for irrigated environments; 3) irrigation and nitrogen management; 4) water requirements and water use efficiency based on soil type, length of growing season, and stage of development; 5) scheduling, with emphasis on when to begin and end irrigation; 6) irrigation and cultural/management practices (tillage, row spacing and seeding rate, planting date alignment with rain-deficit periods, and crop rotations); 7) using limited irrigation water for deficit irrigation; 8) economics of irrigation; and 9) using irrigation schedulers for accurate application of irrigation water. This chapter will be used by agricultural practitioners to design the most profitable strategy for irrigating both soybean and corn.