Project Number: 3622-13610-001-01
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Jul 01, 2003
End Date: Mar 31, 2006

Objective:
Develop methods and techniques for design, operation and management of irrigation systems in SE MO; develop and evaluate crop management systems optimized for irrigated production.

Approach:
Projects will investigate important aspects of irrigated crop production in the upper Mississippi Delta region. (1) Plot studies will be continued to evaluate the use of crop canopy temperature to schedule corn, soybean, and cotton irrigations. Although this approach has been successful in arid climates, adaptation for more humid conditions has proved difficult. (2) Field research will be conducted to evaluate the flood irrigation tolerance of several promising soybean varieties. Variables studied will be flood duration and plant growth stage. (3) Several tillage and management systems will be compared for maximizing irrigated soybean production on gumbo soils. (4) Research will be initiated to develop and evaluate producer-friendly irrigation timing methods for cotton production on clay soils. (5) Systems for managing rice straw residue in drilled and water-seeded rice production will be developed and evaluated. (6) Field research will evaluate the effect of the timing of irrigation termination on corn and soybean yields. Project results will be documented in scientific and extension publications and will be presented at a variety of national, regional, and local meetings.

Project Team

Sadler, Edward - John Joseph Henggeler - Associate Professor 573-882-1114

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Water Quality & Management (201)   Integrated Farming Systems (207)