Effect of Subsoiling on Yield and Quality of Corn and Potato at Two Irrigation Frequencies

Abstract

AbstractHigh strength soil layers within a rooting zone restrict rooting and reduce the supply of water and nutrients to plants. Frequent irrigation may be required to prevent plant water stress. Studies were conducted in 1983, 1984, and 1985 to evaluate the yield responses of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and field corn (Zea mays L.) to subsoiling and sprinkler irrigation frequency on Warden loam (coarse‐silty, mixed, mesic Xerollic Camborthids) and Quincy sand (mixed, mesic Xeric Torripsamments) soils. Leaf water potential, stomatal resistance, and canopy temperature were measured. On the loam soil, yield and % U.S. no. 1 potato tubers responded positively to subsoiling with biweekly irrigation but not with weekly irrigation. Corn silage yields were increased by subsoiling with both irrigation regimes but grain yields were not. Plants growing on subsoiled sand and irrigated every 4 d were stressed less than plants grown without subsoiling. With this irrigation regime total tuber yield, % U.S. no. 1 tubers, and corn grain yields were increased by subsoiling. Benefits from subsoiling were relatively unimportant for either crop or soil if irrigation was adequate.