Seed Emmergence

Seed Emmergence

corn Corn planting Corn Production

Yesterday we attended a program put on by Linco-Precision.  They put together one of the top one day meetings I have been to.  One of the presentations was on seed emergence in corn.  They presented data that suggests that the closer together in time that corn plants emerge for the soil, the better the yields.  The research numbers were more than significant. One of the biggest factors controlling emergence was the evenness of soil moisture.  They did not arrive at the same conclusion that I did, but they do tell you  how to achieve results.  It looks to me like you would be most likely to encounter even moisture conditions under No-Till or stale seedbed.  Prairie Farmer entitled their article, No Ear Left Behind.

Economic Considerations in Managing your Corn

Economic Considerations in Managing your Corn

Corn Production

Prairie Farmer's 10 Best ways to Spend Money on Corn is well written and gives good advice on managing corn acres.  Things like Soil testing and Weed control  may be even more critical when dealing in narrow margins.  I have written on many of the topics in this article in the past.  Most of these things can still be implemented in this growing season. The advice is good for next year or any year.  They chose excellent agronomists to interview.

Study Offers Tips on Corn Production

Study Offers Tips on Corn Production

Corn Production

A recent study at the University of Illinois found that farmers can increase corn yields by 28% by using top management techniques to grow corn.  The study says that all the techniques are needed maximize yields because the combination is more powerful than any one practice. The practices are:

• boost plant populations
• use Bt hybrids
• use strobilurin containing fungicide
• sidedress some of your nitrogen
• make sure phosphorous, sulfur and zinc needs are met.

I would add that tile drainage is needed on many soils in Illinois to maximize yields.  I am cautious about wholesale fungicide use, but I would use it in a yield contest. Maximum benefit from fungicides comes with use on susceptible hybrids.

The study is published in the peer reviewed Agronomy Journal.