Subsurface Drip Tape Spacing and Placement for a Small Grain and Alfalfa, Corn Silage Rotation

The project will develop and demonstrate proper tape depth and spacing to accommodate subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) on rotations of silage corn with small grains or alfalfa. It will also determine additional water management or planting strategies that may be needed. SDI provides a high uniformity water application compared to set systems, particularly on odd-shaped fields. A properly-operating SDI system can meet crop water needs with about 10% less water than a center pivot or 25% less water than set systems, and energy consumption will be cut in half. A properly managed SDI system will eliminate almost all surface runoff and minimize deep percolation and leaching potential for soluble agri-chemicals.