Effect of Different Moisture Stress Levels on Corn Growth in Field Lysimeters

Experiments were conducted in field lysimeters to investigate the effects of high water table positions (created by subirrigation practice) on com growth. Various plant growth parameters (plant dry matter, canopy height, and yield) were measured before, during, and after the excessively wet periods. Two regression models were developed to characterize corn yield production as a function of durations of excessively wet periods and water-table positions. Results indicated that subirrigation practices can improve com growing conditions. Less com yield reduction occurred when water tables were maintained at 15 cm than when water tables were maintained at the soil surface during the six-leaf stage.