Potential Suitability of Subirrigation for Field Crops in the U.S. Midwest

Journal Article · 31 December 2019 · Transactions of the ASABE (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.13783 · OSTI ID:1807824

Yu, Feng ^[1]; Frankenberger, Jane ^[2]; Ackerson, Jason ^[2]; Reinhart, Benjamin ^[2]

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1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
2. Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN (United States)

Subirrigation through subsurface tile drains has potential to increase crop yields and improve water quality in tile-drained landscapes, but it has not been widely implemented. Identifying locations with high potential suitability for subirrigation may help the planning and implementation of this practice. In this study, we developed a fuzzy rating system for subirrigation suitability using the Gridded Soil Survey Geographic Database (gSSURGO). Maps of the fuzzy rating system identified locations of high potential suitability for subirrigation and highlighted physiographic regions highly conducive to the practice. We identified 78,500 km2, about 9%, of agricultural land in the Midwest with high potential suitability for subirrigation where onsite investigation may be targeted. The largest areas of high potential suitability were found in Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana. Results from the fuzzy rating analysis are provided to the public through three channels: a downloadable data repository, map service, and web map tool. Ultimately, this study can facilitate the adoption of subirrigation by highlighting areas where subirrigation may potentially be a viable practice.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDA; USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: 89233218CNA000001
• OSTI ID: 1807824
• Report Number(s): LA-UR--19-31361
• Journal Information: Transactions of the ASABE (Online), Journal Name: Transactions of the ASABE (Online) Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 63; ISSN 2151-0040
• Publisher: American Society of Agricultural and Biological EngineersCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English