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Positional and Temporal Changes in Ponded Infiltration in a Corn Field
Author(s) -
Prieksat M. A.,
Kaspar T. C.,
Ankeny M. D.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1994.03615995005800010026x
Subject(s) - infiltration (hvac) , loam , plough , infiltrometer , tillage , chisel , agronomy , growing season , environmental science , zea mays , soil water , hydraulic conductivity , soil science , biology , geography , meteorology , archaeology
Infiltrating rainwater can move agricultural chemicals through soil and may contribute to contamination of drinking water supplies. Ponded infiltration rates were measured in corn ( Zea mays L.) fields at four positions relative to plants and to crop rows: center of a trafficked interrow (TRK), center of an untrafficked interrow (UNT), between corn plants in a row (BPIR), and directly over the base of a plant in a row (OPIR). Measurements were taken in chisel‐plow plots during 1990 and 1991, and in no‐till plots during 1991. A Canisteo silty clay loam (fine‐loamy, mixed [calcareous], mesic Typic Haplaquoll) was the predominant soil type in the plots. In chisel‐plow plots, infiltration rates for TRK and UNT positions remained relatively constant during both years, with temporary increases after tillage or cultivation. At BPIR and OPIR positions, infiltration rates increased steadily over the growing season. Infiltration rates at the OPIR position increased from 43 to 211 µm s −1 in 1990 and from 63 to 257 µm s −1 in 1991. At the end of both growing seasons, the OPIR position had the greatest infiltration rate, and the TRK position the lowest. In no‐till, infiltration rates at all positions remained relatively constant throughout the 1991 growing season. Infiltration rates at BPIR and OPIR positions were not different from each other, were greater than 200 µm s −1 , and were higher than rates at TRK and UNT positions. High potential infiltration rates in the row, especially around the bases of corn plants, have implications for the management of row‐banded chemicals.