Corn Yield‐Fragipan Depth Relations on a Zanesville Soil

Abstract

Abstract A fragipan is a dense, somewhat indurated, very strongly acid, and slowly or very slowly permeable soil horizon that can be a physical or a chemical barrier to plant root growth. Erosion of a fragipan soil decreases the volume of soil for root growth and water storage. The effect of depth to a fragipan horizon on yield of corn ( Zea mays L.) was measured during a four‐year study on a Zanesville silt loam (Typic Fragiudalf, fine‐silty, mixed, mesic). In 3 of the 4 years, susceptibility to water stress increased with decreasing depth to the fragipan horizon. Greater depth to the fragipan was associated with an increased volume for rooting and water storage, resulting in higher grain yields.