Are other crops better than corn under limited irrigation?

Abstract

Research was initiated under sprinkler irrigation to compare limited irrigation of corn with three other summer crops (grain sorghum, soybean, and sunflower) grown under no-till practices. Corn responded the most to increased irrigation. Because of changes in growing conditions, the crop that is most profitable changes from year-to-year. Growing different crops when irrigation is limited can reduce risk and increase profitability. Averaged across the past 8 years, corn has been the most profitable crop at higher irrigation amounts, while at the lowest irrigation level, profitability was similar for all crops.