Effect of Drying on Soil Strength and Corn Emergence

Fapohunda, H.O. and Kemper, W.D. and Heerman, D.F. (1985) Effect of Drying on Soil Strength and Corn Emergence. Irrigation Science. 6:149-158.

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Abstract

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of drying
on soil strength and corn emergence (Zea mays L.). Corn was germinated in
Billings silty clay under a bank of heat lamps which operated 9, 14, 19, or 24 h
per day. Soil strength (modules of rupture), soil moisture content and emergence
were measured daily.

The relationship of soil strength to corn seedling emergence as influenced by
the four light and heat durations and bare and mulched soil surfaces was determined.
As soil strength increased emergence decreased until it ceased at soil
strengths of about 80 kPa. Strength of this soil had a high negative correlation
with soil water content and increased with time. Mulching decreased initial rate
of drying, decreased crust strength, and improved corn emergence. The 14-hour
light and heat treatment resulted in the highest corn emergence.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	0559
Subjects:	Irrigated crops > Corn / maize Soil Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:52
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2017 21:11
Item ID:	442
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/442