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Soil Moisture Distribution on Irrigated Corn Plots¹

ABSTRACT

An account of the soil-moisture distribution obtained by fiberglas-gypsum blocks on irrigated plots is presented as an aid in evaluating the needs of water for irrigation on field corn and sweet corn in Southeastern Ohio. Soil moisture depletion was determined from moisture changes in the Keene silt loam and presented as total depletion in the 0 to 7-, 0 to 10-, 0 to 12-, 0 to 14-, and 0 to 18-inch depths on sweet corn for various periods during the growing season in 1954. The data for 1954 indicate that on this soil type the 0 to 7-inch depth would suffice as a criterion for irrigation requirements up to July 14, and the 0 to 12-inch depth from July 15 to Sept. 17.

A summary of the data to evaluate the quantitative needs of water for irrigation purposes is presented for the Keene and Muskingum soils. Data on the moisture content at saturation, at field capacity, and at the wilting point are given in inches water for the 0 to 7-, 0 to 10-, 0 to 12-, 0 to 14-, 0 to 18-, and 0 to 24-inch soil depths together with the amount of water necessary to raise the moisture content to field capacity from the available water level. From this level in the 0 to 24-inch depth on the Keene silt loam, 2.76 inches water are needed to raise the moisture content to field capacity, while 2.40 inches are required on the Muskingum silt loam. In the 0 to 7-inch depths, the values are 0.81 and 0.73 inches respectively for the same soil types.

Additional data obtained on field corn plots in 1953 are also presented as a contrast to those obtained on sweet corn in 1954. Daily depletion rates were lower on the latter.

¹ Contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Station, A.R.S., U.S.D.A., Coshocton, Ohio, in cooperation with the Ohio Agr. Exp. Sta., Wooster, Ohio.

² Soil Scientist and Agricultural Aid, respectively.

Received for publication April 4, 1955.