Abstract
Recent improvements in climate modeling and consolidation within the agriculture and weather industries result in producers who are aware of relatively short-term weather patterns and can modify their cropping and irrigation strategies accordingly. Advances in breeding and genetics have improved stress tolerance of commercial corn hybrids and, along with seed treatment advances, allows seedlings to withstand cool, moist temperatures. Our work in the Mid-South USA region suggests that there are potential moisture savings with minor modifications to existing irrigation and agronomic practices. Data from over 14 farmer fields and four research stations over the 2013 to 2015 growing seasons suggest that by implementing minor irrigation modifications, we can improve yield by approximately 3 to 5 % (8 bu/A) and reduce the amount of water applied by 40 % all while increasing profitability. Planting date, plant population, and hybrid selection can also be optimized to improve the profitability of the system and lower risk.
Highlights
At the most simple level, plants need water to grow
The past 2 years brought us mergers involving weather businesses and the two of the largest agriculture companies: Monsanto purchased Climate Corporation for almost a billion US dollars in 2013 [11] and Pioneer entered into a collaboration with DTN/ Progressive Farmer in 2014
Genetic variability and breeding for improved corn hybrids is a massive undertaking that has resulted in improved stress tolerance and increased yields [22]
Summary
At the most simple level, plants need water to grow. The philosophers of old first speculated on the relationship between water and plants. Aristotle noted that plants are made of water, Empedocles clarified that plants need a combination of water, soil, and perhaps, other things [1]. This is true for all plants and especially for agricultural, commodity-based crops. Moisture availability during critical growth stages is extremely important to ensure optimal corn yields [3, 4]. With this in mind, improvements to both agronomic and irrigation strategies are crucial to improve and stabilize corn production. This article is part of the Topical Collection on Climate Change and Human Health
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