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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Is Plant to Plant Uniformity a Factor in Corn Yield?

Two articles published recently  have conflicting views on the necessity of plant uniformity to maximize yield.  No-Till Farmer had an article that Plant-to-Plant Uniformity is Essential to Maximize No-Till Continuous Corn Yields .  The article is very detailed and cites long term research.  Prairie Farmer's Headline Non-Uniform Emergence Concerns May Be Over Exaggerated seems to conflict with the No-Till Farmer article, but it is really just a different way of looking at the issue.  In the Prairie Farmer article Emerson Nafziger suggest that if corn emerges within 20 or 25 growing degree days it should still be OK.  I suggest reading both articles to understand what each is telling us.  The Precision Planting folks have accumulated a lot of data to support the need for plant uniformity.  I think we need to strive in that direction.  When waiting up to 3 weeks for emergence we need to have some basis to decide whether or not to replant.  When thinking about replanting, always discuss the idea with your crop insurance people too. 

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