Corn maturity and sowing date optimization for water-efficient farming
Innovative simulation model identifies optimal corn maturity and sowing dates to enhance water efficiency and maximize yields in the US Western Corn Belt.
Overview
This advanced research utilizes a well-tested cropping system model to simulate and understand corn water use across ten locations in the US Western Corn Belt. The goal is to optimize corn relative maturity and sowing dates to maximize grain yield and water use efficiency. This approach addresses the pressing need for sustainable irrigation practices in corn production.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes the APSIM-Maize model for accurate simulations
- Focuses on key agronomic decisions: relative maturity, sowing date, and irrigation levels
- Conducts simulations with 7 relative maturities, 6 irrigation levels, and 3 sowing dates
- Provides actionable prescriptions for farmers to improve yield stability and water use efficiency
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 5, having been validated through field experiments and simulations across multiple environments in the Western Corn Belt. Further testing and data analysis are ongoing to refine recommendations and enhance practical application.
About University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of the state system, pairing broad academic breadth with an applied, partnership‑oriented research culture. Industry engages through a research and technology park that co‑locates labs, startups, and corporate tenants, with shared instrumentation and prototyping resources. Experiential pipelines—co‑ops and internships across engineering and business—connect companies with talent year‑round, and proximity to multiple Fortune 500 headquarters supports rapid piloting and scale‑up. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, startups, and corporate‑sponsored research.
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