Late start corn management practices
By
David Dugan-
I know this rainy weather has many grain producers on edge. For those planning to plant corn I know the concerns are even greater. As we adjust our plans, I thought this might be good to read.
The following article was in the C.O.R.N. newsletter a couple of years ago and was written by OSU Extension Specialists, Peter Thomison and Robert Mullen. I think it fits 2011 pretty well, too.
As prospects for a timely start to spring planting diminish, growers need to reassess their planting strategies and consider adjustments.
Since delayed planting reduces the yield potential of corn, the foremost attention should be given to management practices that will expedite crop establishment. The following are some suggestions and guidelines to consider in dealing with a late planting season.
Although the penalty for late planting is important, care should be taken to avoid tillage and planting operations when soil is wet. Yields may be reduced somewhat this year due to delayed planting, but effects of soil compaction can reduce yield for several years to come.
If you originally planned to apply nitrogen pre-plant, consider alternatives so that planting is not further delayed when favorable planting conditions occur. Although application of anhydrous N is usually recommended prior to April 15 in order to minimize potential injury to emerging corn, anhydrous N may be applied as close as a week before planting (unless hot, dry weather is predicted). In late planting seasons associated with wet cool soil conditions, growers should consider side-dressing anhydrous N (or UAN liquid solutions) and applying a minimum of 30 lb/N broadcast or banded to stimulate early seedling growth. This latter approach will allow greater time for planting. Similarly, crop requirements for P and K can often be met with starter applications placed in bands two inches to the side and two inches below the seed.
Application of P and K is only necessary with the starter if they are deficient in the soil, and the greatest probability of yield response from P and K starter is in a no-till situation. Remember the longer our planting is delayed the less beneficial a starter with P and K will be (unless the soil test level is below the critical level). The primary reason they are less beneficial is typically at later planting dates soil temperatures are higher (this is not necessarily true for no-till soils and that is why they are more likely to be responsive).
Keep time expended on tillage passes and other preparatory operations to a minimum. The above work will provide minimal benefits if it results in further planting delays. No-till offers the best option for planting on time this year.
Don’t worry about switching hybrid maturities unless planting is delayed to late May. If planting is possible before May 20, plant full-season hybrids first to allow them to exploit the growing season more fully. Research in Ohio and other Corn Belt states generally indicates that earlier maturity hybrids lose less yield potential with late plantings than the later maturing, full season hybrids.
In delayed planting situations, use the optimal seeding rates for the yield potential of each field. Recommended seeding rates for early planting dates are often 10% higher than the desired harvest population because of the potential for greater seedling mortality. However, soil temperatures are usually warmer in late planted fields, and as a result germination and emergence should be more rapid and uniform.
Master Gardener
classes planned
Fliers will soon be available, including the details and registration application for an upcoming OSUE Master Gardener Volunteer Training in Adams, Brown and Highland counties. I have had requests in the past for this class to be offered so school teachers would be able to be involved.
I know we had several snow days, but I think everyone will be finished with the school year by June 14. That is the tentative first date for the class. The plan is to have sessions for 7 to 8 weeks, which would run into the first of August, twice a week. The plan is for the classes to be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The training is offered by OSU Extension Educators and OSU Extension State Specialist, as well as professionals involved in the field.
The class is designed to educate, but it is also designed to train people to be volunteers that can help others with gardening issues and participate with community gardening projects.
More details can be found at: http://mastergardener.osu.edu or contact your local OSU Extension Office.[[In-content Ad]]
The following article was in the C.O.R.N. newsletter a couple of years ago and was written by OSU Extension Specialists, Peter Thomison and Robert Mullen. I think it fits 2011 pretty well, too.
As prospects for a timely start to spring planting diminish, growers need to reassess their planting strategies and consider adjustments.
Since delayed planting reduces the yield potential of corn, the foremost attention should be given to management practices that will expedite crop establishment. The following are some suggestions and guidelines to consider in dealing with a late planting season.
Although the penalty for late planting is important, care should be taken to avoid tillage and planting operations when soil is wet. Yields may be reduced somewhat this year due to delayed planting, but effects of soil compaction can reduce yield for several years to come.
If you originally planned to apply nitrogen pre-plant, consider alternatives so that planting is not further delayed when favorable planting conditions occur. Although application of anhydrous N is usually recommended prior to April 15 in order to minimize potential injury to emerging corn, anhydrous N may be applied as close as a week before planting (unless hot, dry weather is predicted). In late planting seasons associated with wet cool soil conditions, growers should consider side-dressing anhydrous N (or UAN liquid solutions) and applying a minimum of 30 lb/N broadcast or banded to stimulate early seedling growth. This latter approach will allow greater time for planting. Similarly, crop requirements for P and K can often be met with starter applications placed in bands two inches to the side and two inches below the seed.
Application of P and K is only necessary with the starter if they are deficient in the soil, and the greatest probability of yield response from P and K starter is in a no-till situation. Remember the longer our planting is delayed the less beneficial a starter with P and K will be (unless the soil test level is below the critical level). The primary reason they are less beneficial is typically at later planting dates soil temperatures are higher (this is not necessarily true for no-till soils and that is why they are more likely to be responsive).
Keep time expended on tillage passes and other preparatory operations to a minimum. The above work will provide minimal benefits if it results in further planting delays. No-till offers the best option for planting on time this year.
Don’t worry about switching hybrid maturities unless planting is delayed to late May. If planting is possible before May 20, plant full-season hybrids first to allow them to exploit the growing season more fully. Research in Ohio and other Corn Belt states generally indicates that earlier maturity hybrids lose less yield potential with late plantings than the later maturing, full season hybrids.
In delayed planting situations, use the optimal seeding rates for the yield potential of each field. Recommended seeding rates for early planting dates are often 10% higher than the desired harvest population because of the potential for greater seedling mortality. However, soil temperatures are usually warmer in late planted fields, and as a result germination and emergence should be more rapid and uniform.
Master Gardener
classes planned
Fliers will soon be available, including the details and registration application for an upcoming OSUE Master Gardener Volunteer Training in Adams, Brown and Highland counties. I have had requests in the past for this class to be offered so school teachers would be able to be involved.
I know we had several snow days, but I think everyone will be finished with the school year by June 14. That is the tentative first date for the class. The plan is to have sessions for 7 to 8 weeks, which would run into the first of August, twice a week. The plan is for the classes to be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The training is offered by OSU Extension Educators and OSU Extension State Specialist, as well as professionals involved in the field.
The class is designed to educate, but it is also designed to train people to be volunteers that can help others with gardening issues and participate with community gardening projects.
More details can be found at: http://mastergardener.osu.edu or contact your local OSU Extension Office.[[In-content Ad]]