Crop and Soil Management Practices for Adaption to Temporarily Waterlogged Soils Caused By Climate Change in the Midwestern United States.

Climate projections for the Midwestern United States include increased extreme weather events with higher precipitation during the spring and 20 percent less rain during the summer.  In 2011, agricultural losses due to flooding were more than $1.6 billion in the Midwest and excessive rainfall events in this region increased over 30% from 1958 to 2007.  Research has been conducted since 2002 on poorly-drained soils in Northeastern Missouri on several possible management practices to increase corn (Zea mays L.) production and reduce environmental nutrient loss despite the increased incidence of periodic soil waterlogging that occurs in both upland and low-lying regions in farm fields.  These practices include improved subsurface drainage systems, strip tillage, use of enhanced efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizers and rescue N fertilizer applications, deep banding of N fertilizer and use of flood tolerant corn hybrids.  Research results indicate that these practices may be potential options to reduce the risk of production and environmental losses associated with increased soil waterlogging and may provide alternatives for landowners managing climate change impacts.