Evaluation of corn grain yield and water use efficiency using subsurface drip irrigation

Agricultural production greatly benefits New Mexico's economy, yet without irrigation its semi-arid environment has limited production potential. Conserving and efficiently using irrigation water has become critical for Sustainable agriculture in the arid and semi-arid southwestern United States. This study was conducted in 2002 and 2003 at the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center in Farmington, NM on a sandy loam soil (soil series Shiprock, Typic Haplargids coarse, loamy, mixed, calcareous, mesic family) to evaluate com (Zea mays L.) grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE) under subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) with permanent bed culture. Drip tape was placed at 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm below the soil surface. Row-lengths of missing plants were measured to determine percent plant stand. Nutrient levels were monitored through soil and plant tissue sampling. Averaged over both years, highest plant stand, yield, arid WUE were obtained from the 15- and 20-cm tape depths. Soil analysis indicated only slight changes in characteristics over the duration of the study. Plant tissue analysis indicated sufficient nutrient content. Ear heights were unaffected by tape depth. Utilization of permanent bed subsurface drip irrigation on sandy loam soil in northwestern New Mexico with tape depth of 15 to 20 cm below soil surface was the most efficient in terms of production and water use efficiency.