Site-specific evaluation of claypan soil with subsurface
drainage-impact on corn grain yield.
Contacts: Kelly A. Nelson, Kent Shannon, Allen Thompson, and Stephen Anderson
MU Departments of Agronomy, Biological Engineering, and Soil & Atmospheric Sciences

Water management is one of the major limiting factors affecting crop productivity for producers with flat claypan soils. Claypan soils are often wet and cold in the spring which reduces crop stands, encourages disease, delays planting dates, and results in sub-optimal planting conditions. Subsurface drainage is uncommon in claypan soils because of the soil properties affecting internal drainage.

Previous claypan drainage research using tile drains has shown increased corn and soybean yield. However, the research is limited. This project uses integrated systems research to evaluate the impact of tile drainage of claypan soils on corn grain yield. The research will help determine the productivity, profitability, variability, and feasibility of a subsurface drainage system compared to soils without a drainage system.

Objectives:

1. Determine the suitability of claypan soils for subsurface drainage using precision farming technology.
2. Determine crop variability and productivity of subsurface drained compared with non-drained claypan soils.
3. Evaluate the economic benefit of claypan soils with drainage compared to soil without drainage.

2001 MPAC Funded Projects

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