2019
Improvement of Irrigation Strategies for Alabama Black Belt Soils
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Contributor/Checkoff:
Alabama Soybean Producers
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
SustainabilityWater resistanceWater supply
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Thorsten Knappenberger, Auburn University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Eve Brantely, Auburn University
Joey Shaw, Auburn University
+1 More
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Alabama Soybean Producers
$8,000
Institution Funded:
Auburn University
$8,000
Brief Project Summary:

Several soybean growers in Alabama’s Black Belt Region have installed central pivot irrigation systems in recent years. Irrigation increases soybean yields, but the Black Belt clayey soils are characterized by low infiltration rates, shrink-swell behavior and pronounced surface cracking. For an effective irrigation strategy and to avoid surface water runoff, it is necessary to determine maximum infiltration rates and cracking behavior of the clays in the Black Belt region. This on-farm and extension center research evaluates different irrigation rates for infiltration and surface water runoff using a rainfall simulator. It also assesses dynamics of hydraulic conductivity and plant water uptake.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Final Project Results

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.