November 11, 2020
TRIAL OBJECTIVE
As corn products are developed to have higher yield potential and better stress tolerance, the optimum seeding rate has steadily increased.
Previous work at the Bayer Learning Center at Monmouth, IL suggests the optimum seeding rate for most corn products is around 38,000 seeds per acre in our yield environment.
Previous work at the Learning Center suggests row configurations narrower than 30 inches may increase stress reducing potential yield benefits at seeding rates greater than 38,000 seeds per acre.
This demonstration was conducted to evaluate the yield response to seeding rate and row spacing.
RESEARCH SITE DETAILS
| Location | Monmouth, Il | ||
| Soil Type | Silt loam | ||
| Previous Crop | Soybean | ||
| Tillage Type | Conventional |
| Planting Date | 6/5/20 | ||
| Harvest Date | 10/27/20 | ||
| Potential Yield (bu/acre) | 250 | ||
| Seeding Rate (seeds/acre) | 35K, 45K |
- Treatments consisted of two seeding rates and three row configurations for a total of six treatments.
- Seeding rates:
- 35,000 seeds/acre
- 45,000 seeds/acre
- Row configurations:
- 30-inch
- 20-inch
- Twin rows on 30-inch centers
- Seeding rates:
- Each treatment was replicated twice.
UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS
Figure 1. Average corn yield response to seeding rate and row spacing.
KEY LEARNINGS
- The results from this demonstration were contradicting to similar work at the Bayer Learning Center over the past several years
- Response to either seeding rate or narrower row configuration was not consistent.
- The very late planting date and other factors may have created more plant growth limitations compared to stresses from plant density.
- The Bayer Learning Centers have generated robust data around optimum plant density for corn. Consult your local Field Sales Representative or Technical Agronomist on tailored recommendations for your specific farm.
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