Author
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Nuti, Russell |
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Submitted to: Review Article
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 1/18/2007 Publication Date: 2/1/2007 Citation: Nuti, R.C. 2007. Southeast Growers Can use Furrow Diking to Stabilize Cropping Systems. Review Article. Interpretive Summary: none required. Technical Abstract: Water availability has a large bearing on crop fate. In 2 years of research at NPRL, research with furrow dikes has shown positive results with peanut, cotton, and corn. The equipment necessary for furrow diking is not expensive and can be attached to common cultivation equipment or planters. Furrow dikes also provide better water distribution by holding water in high areas. Irrigation improves yield stability and profitability over time. However, irrigation is a costly input and may be limited or restricted in the future increasing the importance of water conservation. Poor crop growth in non-irrigated crops is not usually because of poor seasonal rainfall totals, however is due to the timing and amount of rainfall events. Compared to other regions of the US, the Southeast receives a fair amount of rainfall. Improving water capture may help delay irrigation and reduce total irrigation requirements for a season, especially when a rainfall event is only a few days away and takes the place of an irrigation. Furrow diking is a tool that will allow growers to take better advantage of natural precipitation. Land without furrow dikes had 3 times the runoff and 3.5 times more erosion compared to land with furrow dikes when water was applied at 2” per hour. Initial tests monitoring soil moisture show rapid infiltration in furrow diked plots compared to conventionally tilled plots after rainfall or irrigation. Recommendations from Irrigator Pro software called for reduced irrigation on land with furrow dikes compared to land without furrow dikes in corn in 2005 and cotton in 2006. In 2006, corn under full irrigation made 21 more bu/A with furrow dikes. Peanut required one third less water to produce 4800 lb/A where furrow dikes were used. This technology has broad potential to stabilize crop yield and quality, and provide economic and environmental benefit by saving irrigation costs and using less water. Many parties may benefit from the use of furrow dikes include agricultural producers and those interested in water and energy conservation. |
