University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Efficient use of water for irrigation in the upper midwest

Stout, Glenn E.; Walker, Paul N.; Goetsch, W.D.; Austin, T. Al; Golchin, Jahanshir; Shahvar, Zohreh; Anderson, C.E.; Johnson, H.P.; Shaw, Robert H.; Arjmand, Olya; Miller, William L.; Clouser, Rodney L.; Erhabor, Patrick; Sobek, Joseph; Eidman, Vernon R.; Wilson, Paul N.; Sheaffer, Craig C.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/89816

Description

Title
Efficient use of water for irrigation in the upper midwest
Author(s)
  • Stout, Glenn E.
  • Walker, Paul N.
  • Goetsch, W.D.
  • Austin, T. Al
  • Golchin, Jahanshir
  • Shahvar, Zohreh
  • Anderson, C.E.
  • Johnson, H.P.
  • Shaw, Robert H.
  • Arjmand, Olya
  • Miller, William L.
  • Clouser, Rodney L.
  • Erhabor, Patrick
  • Sobek, Joseph
  • Eidman, Vernon R.
  • Wilson, Paul N.
  • Sheaffer, Craig C.
Contributor(s)
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Iowa State University
  • Purdue University
  • University of Minnesota
Issue Date
1983-04
Keyword(s)
  • Water resource development
  • Water resource development--Illinois
  • Agriculture
  • Alfalfa
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Irrigation
  • Midwest water resources
  • Groundwater
  • Surface water
  • Soil moisture
  • Soil moisture models
  • Claypan soils
  • Drainage
  • Economic models
  • Water use
Geographic Coverage
Illinois (state)
Abstract
The objectives of this multidisciplinary interinstitutional regional study on the efficient use of water for irrigation in the upper Midwest were: (1) to determine parameters needed for existing or improved models of crop response; (2) to relate yield response to costs and revenues by assessing the water demand for irrigation; and (3) to study the demand for irrigation, present and projected, and its availability as related to public allocation decisions. From this series of studies it was concluded that: (1) There are many areas of the Midwest with sufficient groundwater and surface water resources to support the development of irrigation. (2) Soil moisture models indicate that only moderate yield response to irrigation can be expected on high moisture soils; on lighter soils and claypan soils, yield response is significant, even in regions with relatively high precipitation. (3) Irrigation and drainage on claypan soils can dramatically increase corn yields. (4) It appears economically worthwhile for the individual farmer operating on moderate soils or on claypan soils to evaluate capital investments in irrigation along with other capital investments. (5) Increases in yields and persistence of alfalfa due to irrigation appear to be insignificant when compared to conventional management practices; further research is needed. A potential, however, appears to exist for improving adaptation of a1 fa1 fa varieties to soil water deficits.
Publisher
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Water Resources Center
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/89816
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • U.S. Department of the Interior
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 1983 held by the authors

Owning Collections

Illinois Water Resources Center - Agriculture PRIMARY