A New Soil Water Retention Technology That Doubled Corn Production During the 2012 Drought.

A new long-term soil water technology has been developed by scientists and engineers at Michigan State University (MSU) that dramatically mitigates impacts of frequent short and long-term drought conditions on agricultural crops by improving the water and nutrient holding capacities within the root zones of sandy soils for both the immediate (1st year) and long-term (40+ years). Recent research at MSU demonstrated these new subsurface water retention technology (SWRT) membranes double soil water holding capacities in the root zones of irrigated corn, leading to improved grain yields of 174% and total corn biomass by 193% as noted in the photos below. Significant agronomic efficiencies are also gained as a result of SWRT-based soil improvements whereby additional nitrogen is retained in the root zones of corn. These research results could potentially translate into reductions in nitrogen fertilizer application rates for irrigated SWRT corn on sandy soils. These SWRT-based reductions in nitrogen fertilizer levels could lead to dramatic on farm savings. Additionally, in the long-run, SWRT contributes to improved agronomic practices by conserving soil water, by increasing organic matter (carbon) and protecting groundwater by restricting surface soil erosion, as compared to traditional cropping practices. SWRT research has identified shoot to root ratios are improved by up to 230% when greater soil water and nutrient contents are retained in the root zone. These findings identify considerable long-term benefits for buffering row and horticultural crop production against droughts and other water related changes in climate. SWRT establishes and builds sustainable agroecosystems on sandy soils. Combining the best biotechnological cultivars with these new water and nutrient saving membrane technologies, installed below plant root zones, offers a high return on investment and prescription-based management opportunity to avoid droughts and surpass the goal of increasing food and cellulosic biomass production for population needs during the next several decades.