Irrigation Techniques for Soybean and Corn Crops

Check out this article for some of the best irrigation techniques for soybean and corn crops and get organized to put them into practice on your plantation!

Did you know that Brazil is the largest soybean producer in the world?

But do we know if we are using the best ones? irrigation techniques?

Water consumption for soybeans varies between 450 and 800 mm/cycle.

Choosing the right method can increase productivity and make agriculture more sustainable.

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Using efficient irrigation systems, such as sprinklers and drip irrigation, is essential.

They help capture carbon dioxide (CO2) and improve biomass production.

This article shows the importance of adopting innovative practices in irrigation. This helps to maximize productivity and optimize the use of water resources.

Main Points

• Brazil leads the world in soybean production.
• Efficient irrigation can lead to a significant increase in soybean and corn productivity.
• There are several irrigation systems that adapt to different soil conditions and crop needs.
• The choice of irrigation system has a direct impact on cost and energy efficiency.
• Proper irrigation management is essential for sustainable and productive agriculture.

What is Irrigation in Agriculture?

Irrigation in agriculture is when water is given to plants in a controlled manner. This helps the plants grow well.

It is very important, especially in dry places.

According to Embrapa, plant genetics greatly influence productivity.

But the irrigation techniques are essential to increase this productivity.

In Brazil, water in the agricultural sector is large, used mainly for irrigation.

In Brazil, about 8.2 million hectares are irrigated. There are three main methods of irrigation:

Irrigation occupies 18% of the world's cultivated land.

It uses 70% of global quality water. In Brazil, irrigation accounts for 18% of cultivated land, but produces 42% of the total.

This shows how the irrigation techniques are effective.

Importance of Irrigation for Soybeans and Corn

Irrigation keeps the soil moist and nourished, helping plants grow.

Water demand changes with the climate. In semi-arid areas, more water is needed.

For soybeans, efficient irrigation is crucial to achieve good productivity.

Strategies such as mulching and periodic analyses are essential.

Nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus are important for corn.

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Fertilizers such as K Forte® and BAKS® from Verde Agritech help a lot. They improve water and nutrient retention in the soil.

For the 2023/24 harvest, global soybean production will be 403 million tons.

Brazil will plant 45.62 million hectares, an increase of 2.5% compared to the previous year.

But only 11% of Brazilian soybean crops use irrigation, according to Embrapa.

According to the Irrigation Atlas (2021), irrigated soybeans can have productivity up to 3x higher.

Irrigated crops can have up to 26 bags/ha, much more than dryland crops.

Soybean water demand increases significantly during flowering and grain filling.

Technologies like TDR and RAKS sensors help monitor soil moisture.

This allows for more precise irrigation. Investing in technology improves irrigation efficiency, increasing profitability and sustainability for farmers.

Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

THE sprinkler system for soybeans and corn is widely used. This is due to its versatility and adaptability.

It simulates rain with pressurized water. It is great for various types of soil and terrain, essential for soybeans and corn.

In Brazil, the center pivot and the winding spool are known systems.

Sprinkler irrigation has advantages. It ensures a uniform coverage and controls the water precisely.

This irrigation greatly improves crop productivity. For example, cotton production can grow up to 70 arrobas per hectare.

Soybean productivity can double compared to cultivation without irrigation in Rio Grande do Sul.

See a comparison between sprinkler systems for soybeans and corn:

Forecasts show a large increase in the use of irrigation in Brazil.

They are expected to reach 3 million hectares in 10 years.

The use of sprinkler system for soybeans and corn can allow up to three harvests per year.

This improves the use of areas and helps against drought.

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Drip Irrigation Systems

THE drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants. This reduces water loss. It is very efficient, reaching 100% of efficiency.

In comparison, sprinkler irrigation achieves 80% to 85% efficiency.

Flood irrigation is between 60% to 70%.

The initial cost of drip irrigation is high. For agricultural crops, it costs around 20 thousand reais per hectare.

For pastures, it varies between 6 thousand and 10 thousand reais per hectare.

Despite the high initial cost, the benefits are great. There are water savings of 30% to 50% compared to sprinkling.

There is also a saving of water for human consumption from 20% to 40%.

The advantages of the system include high efficiency in water delivery.

There is also a lower incidence of plant diseases. Installation is easy and water is distributed evenly.

However, there are disadvantages. The initial cost is high.

Clean water is needed to avoid clogging. fertigation with drip may have limitations.

THE drip irrigation improves crop productivity.

It increases water use efficiency and reduces costs. It is versatile and can be used on different types of terrain.

In addition, it reduces the risk of soil erosion. It reduces the incidence of foliar diseases, as it does not wet the plant foliage.

In short, the drip irrigation is a modern and effective solution for agriculture.

Promotes sustainability, resource savings and high productivity.

Irrigation for Soybean and Corn Crops: Localized Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants.

This can be done with micro-sprinklers or drippers. This method increases irrigation efficiency and reduces water waste.

It is perfect for many types of cultivation.

Localized irrigation systems work at low pressures.

For drip irrigation, the pressure varies from 50 to 200 kPa. For micro-sprinkling, it is from 100 to 300 kPa.

This pressure helps distribute water evenly and in a controlled manner, ensuring that each plant receives the right amount of water to grow well.

A great advantage of localized irrigation is the saving of water and energy.

Compared to older methods such as surface irrigation, these systems are much more efficient.

They are ideal for sandy soils and delicate crops.

Knowing each system well helps you choose the best one for you. This improves the efficiency in localized irrigation.

And it guarantees more sustainable and productive agricultural production.

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Irrigation for Soybean and Corn Crops: Surface Irrigation, Methods and Advantages

THE surface irrigation uses gravity to spread water across the terrain.

It is a very old technique. It is simple and cheap, and does not require complicated equipment.

There are four surface irrigation methods main:

You surface irrigation methods are efficient on flat terrain.

They help plants grow better. They are also good for adding fertilizer to plants.

Strategies for Efficient Irrigation in Soybeans

THE irrigation management in soybeans is crucial for a profitable harvest.

It is important to plan carefully, taking into account the needs of the crop, the climate and the soil.

Monitoring and adjusting irrigation is essential for plants to absorb nutrients well.

The drip system is very efficient, with efficiency from 90% to 95%.

It outperforms other water systems. Fertigation, which mixes water and fertilizers, also improves nutrient distribution.

This causes plants to absorb nutrients quickly.

See the table below to better understand the advantages of irrigation systems.

It shows that drip is the most efficient:

Excessive use of water can harm the crop.

Irrigation frequency should be adjusted based on evapotranspiration data and soil field capacity.

This ensures that the water is always adequate for the plants.

Using advanced technologies such as humidity sensors is essential.

Choosing chlorine-free fertilizers, such as K Forte® and BAKS® from Verde Agritech, helps improve water absorption by the roots. This prevents soil compaction problems.

Strategies for Efficient Irrigation in Corn

THE irrigation optimization in corn is essential for obtaining good harvests, especially in difficult climates.

The 2020/2021 corn harvest was 85.7 million tons, a drop of 16.4% compared to the previous one.

This was largely due to improper water use and adverse weather conditions.

To achieve high productivity, the temperature must be above 15°C. Nights should vary between 12.8°C and 25°C.

Managing water at critical stages can prevent losses of up to 50% in the harvest.

Maintaining the right amount of rainfall, between 500 to 800 mm, is crucial.

Using modern monitoring technologies helps to use water efficiently.

This is important at different stages of corn growth.

Success stories show the positive impact of correct irrigation management.

Márcio Santos in Passos (MG) and Mohamad Sammour in Colombia (SP) increased their harvests.

Márcio started harvesting more than 180 bags per hectare, while Mohamad went from 160 to 180 bags.

Coopercitrus, one of the leaders in irrigation in Brazil, uses advanced technology.

They work with sensors and automated systems to improve irrigation.

Partnerships, such as with Bauer do Brasil, help to offer solutions that save money and increase production.

Irrigation for Soybean and Corn Crops: Tips for Choosing an Irrigation System

THE irrigation system selection right is essential for the success of agricultural crops.

Irrigation greatly improves corn productivity.

There are several systems, such as sprinkling, dripping and micro-sprinkling, for each type of planting.

To choose well, think about the type of crop, the soil, the available water and the climate.

See the table below to compare the most common systems and their efficiencies:

Understanding each system improves efficiency and profitability. Proper fertilization is also crucial.

Nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and boron are essential.

Fertilizers like K Forte® and BAKS® help maintain water and nutrients in plants.

Investing in technology also brings great savings.

For example, drip irrigation can reduce water and energy usage by 30% compared to center pivot.

Considering all these points when choosing an irrigation system is key to efficient and sustainable agriculture.

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Irrigation for Soybean and Corn Crops: Conclusion

Choose and use sustainable irrigation techniques is essential for the success of soybeans and corn.

They improve productivity and help save water.

Soybeans, for example, need 450 to 800 mm of water per cycle, depending on the location and cultivar.

Planning irrigation well helps to avoid productivity losses.

These losses can reach 47% at critical moments, such as flowering.

This shows the importance of using irrigation techniques effective.

Research shows that alternate furrow irrigation can increase soybean productivity by up to 26 bags per hectare in southern Brazil.

Center pivot systems also save water and energy. This reduces costs and improves water distribution.

But it's important not to overdo it with the water.

Excess water can cause damage such as root rot and fungal diseases.

Using modern technology like humidity sensors and automated systems helps a lot.

These technologies increase water efficiency and reduce waste.

Investing in irrigation systems for soybeans can pay off in up to five years, even on small properties.

With efficient management and sustainable techniques, it is possible to make large profits. This makes agriculture more resilient and productive.