Corn Response to Seeding Rate

• Corn products can respond differently to seeding rates depending on their ability to ‘flex’ ear size and their ability to compete for resources.

• The Bayer Learning Center at Monmouth, IL conducts annual trials and demonstrations to illustrate different responses to seeding rates.

   

• Three different SmartStax® RIB Complete® corn blend products were planted at four seeding rates (seeds/acre):
  • 28,000 
  • 32,000 
    
  • 36,000 
    
  • 40,000 
    

• Plots were harvested and adjusted to 15% moisture.

• The three corn products in this demonstration typified the differences that we see across different products.

  • The 107-day relative maturity (RM) product yielded the lowest, did not respond positively to increased seeding rates, and lodged badly at higher seeding rates (Figures 1 and 2).
  • The 111-day RM product performed at the same level regardless of seeding rate.
    
  • The 116-day RM product responded positively to an increase in seeding rates, yielding the highest overall at the 40,000 seeds/acre seeding rate. 
    

• Individual corn products can respond differently to different seeding rates depending on several factors including:

  • Genetic ability to compete for resources
    
  • Pest pressure and trait packages
    
  • Weather and growing conditions 
    

• Please consult your local Field Sales Representative or Technical Agronomist for specific recommendations for your farming operation.

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