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Irrigation expansion shows potential for increased maize yield and reduced nitrogen leaching in the Midwest US

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  • Ferin, Kelsie M.
  • Kucharik, Christopher J.

Abstract

Yield gaps in Midwest US rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) are likely to continue to increase as the frequency of extreme weather events associated with future climate change increase (i.e., high temperatures, precipitation variability). One solution to closing this gap is the expansion of irrigation in regions that currently do not utilize this practice. While irrigation expansion has the potential to increase maize yields and crop productivity, there is also the potential to see improvement in nitrogen loss. However, it remains unclear at what point irrigation should be triggered (i.e., plant available water content (AWC) thresholds) to obtain a balance between crop productivity and environmental improvements.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferin, Kelsie M. & Kucharik, Christopher J., 2024. "Irrigation expansion shows potential for increased maize yield and reduced nitrogen leaching in the Midwest US," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:219:y:2024:i:c:s0308521x24002051
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.104055
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