HI ALL,
AS CORN PLANTING IS WELL UNDERWAY WE WANTED TO SEND OUT SOME SOUND ADVICE AS A REMINDER THAT WILL HELP CARRY YOU THROUGH THE SEASON TO GET YOU THOSE COVETED BUSHELS AT THE END.
OPTIMUM CORN PLANTING DEPTH
There are a lot of factors determining the corn stand after planting and the yield potential. University Extension publications across the Midwest typically recommend a corn seeding depth of 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Most agronomists will agree that planting corn too shallow leads to more frequent problems than planting too deep.
A primary reason to target a 2 inch depth is to achieve good seed-to-soil contact. In order to accomplish this throughout the seedbed, the seed needs to be where the moisture levels are most consistent. Uneven soil moisture around the seed zone is the primary cause of uneven emergence, the results of which can easily be subject to yield losses of 8 to 10 percent. (http://corn.agronomy.wisc.edu/Pubs/UWEX/NCR344.pdf)
Fig. Rootless corn plant may result if planting corn too shallow. We've all seen this.. don't be this... :)
The second reason for the recommended planting depth is to establish a strong nodal root system. The nodal root system not only helps support the corn plant structurally, but is also responsible for uptake of the vast majority of the water and nutrients the plant needs. A good nodal root system is essential in reducing early season root lodging as well as helping the plant perform better under drought stress later in the season. A shallower planting depth, especially less than 1.5 inches, can lead to early-season root lodging due to shallow nodal root development or corn injury from pre-emergence herbicides.
MANAGING FOR UNIFORM EMERGENCE ·
Maximizing the potential of a corn field requires establishing a uniform stand. To achieve this, it is critical to individually evaluate each field and associated management practices. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Soil Moisture: Tillage of wet soil results in cloddy seedbeds which can reduce seed-to-soil contact at the time of planting, resulting in inconsistent seed germination. Planter units are also more prone to bounce in wet soil, affecting planting depth. Planting into wetter soils can cause sidewall compaction and emergence issues.
2. Planter Preperation: This should be a given but many people experience this every year. Worn planter parts can cause problems in achieving uniform corn stands. Worn disk openers are a major cause of poor seed-to-soil contact and can affect the target seeding depth needed to establish a uniform stand. Worn drive chains and seed meters can affect plant spacing needed to maximize plant populations and yield potential. It is worth the time to do the pre check.
3. Planting Depth: As mentioned above it is always good to maintain a planting depth of 2 inches. While shallow-planted corn (planted less than 1.5 inches) may occasionally emerge faster, the long-term benefits of proper planting depth outweigh the quick emergence associated with shallow planting. Shallow planting can disrupt proper nodal root development causing roots to develop at or near the soil surface where they will either not fully develop or develop slower.
4. Effectively Manage Residue: Residue from a previous crop is one of the leading causes of poor uniformity. Residue in the seed furrow can drastically reduce seed-to-soil contact and consistency of germination. It can also cause planter units to bounce, dramatically affecting planting depth and emergence. Residue will also increase variability in soil moisture and soil temperature, therefore causing variability in plant vigor and uniformity.
PLANT FOR SUCCESS:
Successful corn production is the product of optimum planting and preparation. Francis Childs, an Iowa farmer who won the National Corn Growers Association yield contest with a world record corn yield of 442 bushels per acre, says, “…root systems and uniform stands are the foundation of high corn yields.” That is sound advice that we all need to consider as we #plant22
Until next time,
Mike
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