Peanut and Corn Yield Response to Subirrigation Through an Existing Drainage System

Abstract

A water control structure was installed in an existing on-farm-drainage system to provide irrigation water by subirrigation. Performance of the water management system was evaluated and the yield response of corn and peanut to depth of the water table was determined. The water control system maintained the water table at an average of 20 to 43 cm (8 to 17 in.) below the target level set at the control structure. For water table levels between 40 and 120 cm (16 and 48 in.) below the soil surface, only slight decreases in the relative crop yields were observed with increased depth to the water table and no optimum water table level was indicated. Adequate water was supplied to the crops to maintain high yields each year of the four-year study.