Study Offers Tips on Corn Production

A recent study at the University of Illinois found that farmers can increase corn yields by 28% by using top management techniques to grow corn.  The study says that all the techniques are needed maximize yields because the combination is more powerful than any one practice. The practices are:

• boost plant populations
• use Bt hybrids
• use strobilurin containing fungicide
• sidedress some of your nitrogen
• make sure phosphorous, sulfur and zinc needs are met.

I would add that tile drainage is needed on many soils in Illinois to maximize yields.  I am cautious about wholesale fungicide use, but I would use it in a yield contest. Maximum benefit from fungicides comes with use on susceptible hybrids.

The study is published in the peer reviewed Agronomy Journal.