Agronomy Guide For Field Crops – Corn – Emergence and Spacing Uniformity, Replant Decisions

Stand

Uniformity of Emergence

Uniform seeding depth is a critical factor in achieving uniform emergence. Uneven emergence affects crop performance, because competition from larger, early-emerging plants reduces the yield potential of smaller, later-emerging plants. Yields can be reduced by 5% when half the stand suffers from a 7-day delay in emergence and by 12% when half the population experiences a 2-week delay. Table 1–15, Corn yield response to plant spacing and emergence variability, shows the relative impact of emergence and in-row spacing variability on corn yield. In summary:

  • If one of six plants (17%) had an emergence delay equal to two leaf stages (about 12 days), then overall yield reduction was 4%–5%.
  • If one of six plants had emergence delays equal to four leaf stages (about 21 days), then overall yield was reduced by 8%.
  • The sizes of yield reductions associated with delayed emergence were not significantly affected by the spacing variability of the stand (doubles and misses) within the corn row.

This study emphasized the fact that plants that are neighbouring a plant that is delayed in emergence do not compensate for the lower yield of the plant that is developmentally behind.

Uniformity of Spacing

It is widely believed that uniform in-row plant spacing is necessary to achieve high corn yields. However, a considerable number of studies challenge the notion that increased variability of in-row plant spacing results in large yield losses.

The relative yields shown in Table 1–15 indicate that when plants are less than perfectly spaced, those plants that have more space compensate for those that are given less space. Doubles are defined as two plants spaced about 3 cm (1.33 in.) apart situated next to a gap of about 38 cm (15 in.).  Triples are defined as three plants spaced 3 cm from each other next to a gap of 58 cm (23 in.).  A collection of research has further shown:

  • Yield losses are about 1% if the stand contains two out of six plants (33%) that are clustered as doubles.
  • 2% if three out of six plants (50%) are clustered as triples.
  • 5 cm (1 in.) increase in plant stand standard deviation decreased yield by less than 0.08 t/ha (1.3 bu/acre), assuming equal plant populations. These results were consistent with earlier research conducted in Ontario during the late 1970s and in Wisconsin from 1999–2001.
  • Bob Nielsen (Purdue University, Indiana) reported that every additional 2.5 cm (1 in.) of standard deviation over 5 cm (2 in.) decreases yields by 160 kg/ha (2.5 bu/acre). This suggests that significant yield losses are associated with plant stand variability.
  • Results of a survey of 127 Wisconsin commercial corn fields with an average plant population of 73,500 plants/ha (29,750 plants/acre) suggested that plant spacing standard deviation averaged 8.4 cm (3.33 in.) with 95% of fields having standard deviations that were less than 11.7 cm (4.66 in.).
  • Results of 24 research trials conducted along with the Wisconsin plant variability survey concluded that significant yield reductions begin to occur only when corn plant standard deviations exceed 12 cm (4.75 in.).

These results from other jurisdictions support Ontario research findings shown in Table 1–15. They suggest minimal yield impact of uneven plant spacing. Generally, within the range of plant spacing variability typically found in most Ontario corn fields that are at the target population, the reduction in yield potential due to plant stand variability is likely small.

Poor planter maintenance or high planting speeds are often identified as contributing to poor within-row spacing uniformity.  Research conducted in Illinois and shown in Table 1–16, Effect of planting speed on spacing standard deviation, population and corn yield illustrated that with properly maintained planters, high planting speeds and slight variations in spacing uniformity had no impact on yield.

When evaluating corn plant stands, uniformity of emergence and early growth is more important than uniformity of spacing

 

Uniformity and timing of emergence, along with achieving target populations, generally have a greater impact on corn yield than uniformity of corn plant spacing. Planter maintenance and choice of attachments (i.e., coulters and residue row cleaners) should focus on achieving consistent seed placement and the creation of in-row seedbed conditions that ensure rapid uniform emergence. It is important to ensure that the planter is operating level and that all discs, depth-gauging wheels and seed-firming devices are up to specifications, aligned and operating at the correct depth or pressure.

Pre-planting management may also play a critical role in emergence uniformity. If the field is left too uneven, if residue is bunched, or if surface compaction has not been uniformly alleviated, even the most carefully prepared corn planter may not be able to consistently place seed and create in-row seedbed conditions that ensure rapid uniform emergence.

  • Plants that emerge late, so that they are one or two leaves behind neighbouring plants, are likely to achieve a lower yield relative to uniformly emerged stands and may even yield less than later-planted but uniformly emerged corn.
  • Relatively small investments in time and/or money for planter adjustments, such as installing new opener discs, levelling the planter, properly adjusting seed-firming wheels and proper seed depth placement, can significantly increase yield and returns.

Row Widths

Narrow Rows

Past research indicated that more northerly latitudes benefited the most from narrowing corn rows from the traditional 76–96 cm (30–38 in.) widths to 38–60 cm (15–24 in.) compared to mid-to-southern portions of the cornbelt. Most Ontario producers who converted to narrow-row production systems targeted 50 cm (20 in.) row spacing anticipating that the expected yield boost of 3%–8%, would cover the costs of converting planter and corn header. However, more recent studies conducted in Ontario by the University of Guelph and Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. have shown minimal yield advantage with 38 cm (15 in.) or 50 cm (20 in.) rows compared to 76 cm (30 in.) rows. The fundamental reason for moving to narrower rows is to enhance light interception. It appears that the total light interception once the canopy has fully developed is no greater in narrow rows than in wide rows. Any yield advantage experienced with narrow rows must come from earlier canopy closure and greater light interception in the late-June to early-July period.

Research has yet to find hybrids particularly suited for narrow rows. Increasing plant populations often resulted in comparable yield increases to traditional row widths. Yield improvements may be sporadic and the justification of equipment costs may depend on other factors such as use of the narrow row planter for other crops (e.g., dry edible beans), numbers of acres to be planted and costs of equipment conversions. There is also the increased risk for stalk rots in narrow row systems.

Replant Decisions

There is no simple formula to aid in replant decisions, so each case must be dealt with individually. When contemplating a replant decision, consider the following:

  • original planting date
  • target plant population
  • actual population
  • uniformity of plant size
  • uniformity of existing plant distribution
  • possible replanting date
  • cost of replanting (seed, fungicides/insecticides, fuel, etc.)

The plant population in a reduced stand can be estimated by counting the number of plants in a length of row that is equal to 1/1000 of an acre, see Table 1-10, Seed spacing to achieve various populations. This should be replicated at least five times in different areas of the field for every 10 ha (25 acre). Determine the average of these samples and then multiply the average by 1,000 to calculate the number of plants per acre. For the number of plants per ha, multiply it again by 2.47.

It is important when taking stand counts to observe the uniformity, plant size and distribution of the plants in the rows. How do the stand, plant size and distribution vary? Yields can be reduced by 2% if the stand has several 30–90 cm (12–36-in.) gaps. If the gaps are larger — 1.25–2 m (4–6 ft) — expect a 5%–6% reduction in yield when compared to a uniform stand. Yield reductions will be greater with more numerous and longer gaps between plants within the row.

Table 1–17, Expected grain yield due to various plant populations, shows the effect of reduced plant population on final grain yield.  Yields are based on stands that are normal in terms of uniformity of plant size and distribution. Grain yields for varying populations are expressed as a percentage of the yield obtained at a final plant population of 74,000 plants/ha (30,000 plants/acre) with a planting date prior to May 10.

The availability of early-maturing hybrids with good yield potential and the cost of replanting are important factors in the replant decision. Consider whether the herbicide program allows for a switch to soybeans. If not, is a reapplication of corn herbicides required? What is the condition and health of the remaining crop? Before replanting, determine whether the conditions that caused the problem in the first place still exist (soil conditions, disease, insects, herbicide injury). If an insect or disease problem was the culprit, factor in the cost of an insecticide and/or fungicide treatment.

Ontario research data conducted and compiled by the Ontario Corn Committee was used to develop a Replant Decision Aid for producers to use when determining if replant is warranted based on their field situation and costs associated with replanting. This tool can be found at www.gocorn.net.

 

 

This is an excerpt of the planting section from the corn chapter of Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affair’s “Agronomy Guide for Field Crops – Publication 811”. The whole corn chapter can be viewed as PDF here. All chapters are online, and can be viewed by searching the internet for “Agronomy Guide for Field Crops – Publication 811”. Special thanks to Andrew Priest, OMAFRA summer student, for producing these Field Crop News excerpts.