Why We See Crop Circles (And It Has Nothing to Do With Aliens)

You’re flying over a farming state when you notice a strange, perfectly shaped pattern in a field, clearly not random and too precise to be the work of nature alone. It might look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but don’t jump to aliens just yet. While crop circles have long been linked to UFO lore, the real explanation is likely much more down-to-earth.

Here’s what crop circles actually mean, with insight from Talon Becker, commercial agriculture specialist at the University of Illinois Extension.

What Are Crop Circles?

Sections of agricultural fields flattened or cut to form geometric patterns, crop circles can be quite elaborate and not limited to just circles.

Are Crop Circles Real? The Mythology Behind Crop Circles

The modern myth of crop circles began in the 1970s in England, when large, complex patterns began appearing in local fields without explanation. Crops in specific areas were mysteriously flattened, while the surrounding plants remained untouched, sparking theories of UFO landings. Combined with rising public interest in aliens and outer space, these unnatural impressions received prominent global media attention despite primarily occurring in England.

The phenomenon grew through the 1980s and peaked in the early 1990s, when two Englishmen claimed responsibility for the country’s crop circles and explained their methods. Though their confession dispelled much of the mystery, the fascination remains today.

What Really Causes Crop Circles?

While mysterious or otherworldly causes of crop circles may be more fascinating, today the likely reason is due to farming practices, weather or artists.

Cutting for silage

When cutting grass or corn fields for silage, a fermented, high-moisture animal feed, farmers cut sections of crops that are wetter than others and leave the rest, resulting in a geometric pattern in the field. “When cutting for silage, the moisture level is key,” Becker says. “Certain areas are drying faster than others, so farmers will cut some parts but not others.” From above, the cut squares in a field might not make sense to those unaware of this cutting practice.

Tile lines

Perforated pipes are installed several feet underground in a grid below fields, and tile lines catch and drain excess water to improve drainage. “There’s a pattern whenever you have tile lines installed,” Becker says, “and if it is a very wet year, you’ll get better crop growth over the tile lines,” which can produce an unnatural-looking crop pattern.

Centerpoint irrigation systems

Centerpoint irrigation systems spray water from the center of a field in a circular pattern. With GPS seeders, farmers can now plant circular crop fields to match the watering pattern. Unusual when viewed from above, these circular fields are just the result of new planting technology and efficient farming practices.

Lightning and wind

“The most common true crop circle would be a lightning strike,” Becker says. “The lightning will strike in one area and fry the plants,” leaving a damaged section in a field. He adds that wind can also cause unusual patterns, knocking down mature crops in its path.

Pranks

While the prevalence of crop circles peaked decades ago, some people still produce them as pranks. “This practice is common, especially in England,” Becker says. “It’s mainly people just having fun, pushing down crops and creating geometric patterns.”

Corn mazes or marketing

Inspired by the popularity of crop circles, many farms now create intricate corn mazes for the public each fall. Requiring elaborate planning and execution, these designs are made possible by GPS seeders and digital technology. Similarly, marketers have used crop fields for large-scale ads, promoting TV shows, products, and events like London’s 2012 Olympic bid.

About the Expert

• Talon Becker is a commercial agriculture specialist at University of Illinois Extension in Champaign, Illinois.

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