Can Center Pivots Add Yield to Corn in Michigan?
Corn requires more water than many other crops to stay cool and produce a bountiful yield. The important part of this equation is when the peak demand is needed relative to when Michigan gets its rainfall. While soil types with various water holding capacities can play a big role in plant available water, the following chart is designed to encourage you look at your farm and specific fields.
Based on a publication on Irrigation Management for corn from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension
113 Day corn needs 25.8” of water with key demands being from V12 through beginning dent. (.24 - .32 in / day) In Michigan these are some of the lowest rainfall days, creating a substantial shortage for optimum growth and yield.
The average monthly rainfall in Lansing, MI obtained from the National Climate Data Center is as follows:
May – 3.4”
June – 3.5”
July – 2.8”
August – 3.2”
September – 3.5”
5 Month Growing Season Total – 16.4”
Demand 25.8” – Avg Rainfall 16.4” = Shortfall 9.4”
About the Author
Pete is the marketing manager for Michigan Valley Irrigation, having joined the company in 2016. He was raised on a dairy farm in western New York and graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in agricultural economics. His entire working career of over 37 years has been involved in agriculture. A farmer helping farmers. When away from Michigan Valley he operates, Joyful Noise Farm, a small livestock and produce farm and spends time with his family.
