Scheduling Irrigation with a High Speed Center Pivot to Reduce Heat and Moisture Stress in Corn

摘要

Sprinkler irrigation reduces air temperature and increases relative humidity by evaporative cooling in and above the canopy. Experiments needs to be conducted to observe if these effects are beneficial to plants, especially during periods of heat and moisture stress caused by high temperatures. Reduction of actual plant temperature, distribution of water on a plant, and amount of water present also need to be investigated. Research began in 1983 near Grant, NE with Pioneer 3727 corn. The field was irrigated by a highspeed center pivot; tests applied 1 mm of water over a 10-minute period. Plant temperatures were measured by a copper-constantan thermocouple inserted into the growing point of the corn plant. Variable plant temperatures and a concern for water distribution warranted further studies near Tryon, NE in 1984. Data were collected in similar fashion; however, irrigation was applied with a solid set irrigation system at a rate equal to the center pivot. Improved plant thermocouples showed expected plant temperatures without irrigations.