CORN Newsletter: 2008-09, April 15, 2008

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C.O.R.N Newsletter 2008-09
April 15, 2008 - April 22, 2008

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Adjustments to Consider if Corn Planting Delayed
by Peter Thomison, Robert Mullen, Mark Loux


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The wet weather we’ve been experiencing recently has raised concerns that we might be looking at a later than normal planting season that could impact yields. Meteorologists are now forecasting drier conditions the remainder of the month. According to one report, high pressure, warming temperatures and low relative humidity will mean good to excellent drying conditions this week and more days will be dry than wet next week. However, in the event rains cause further planting delays or soils are slow to dry, the following are some suggestions 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 or may not be reduced this year due to delayed planting, but effects of soil compaction from “mudding the seed in” can reduce yield for several years to come. Keep in mind that while higher yields are associated with early plantings, planting date is just one of many factors that determine yield in corn. Moreover, average corn yields from past years do not suggest a strong relationship between planting date and yield. Dr. Bob Nielsen at Purdue University has addressed the relative importance of early planting dates in a recent newsletter article available online at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/articles.08/PltDate-0412.html.

If you originally planned to apply nitrogen and herbicides 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 (or UAN liquid solutions) and applying a minimum of 30 lb/N broadcast or banded to stimulate early seedling growth. The latter approach will allow greater time for planting and buy time later for sidedressing. Applying starter with the seed increases the sidedress period by supplying some nitrogen to get the crop through the early part of the season meaning that sidedress can occur later with little or no signs of N deficiency. 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.

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. Field seedbed preparation should be limited to leveling ruts left
by last year’s harvest - disk or field cultivate very lightly
to level. Most newer planters provide relatively good seed placement in
"trashy" or crusted seedbeds. Final tillage passes just before planting can
be beneficial in suppressing weeds, but may not be practical this year.
In many cases, it may be more profitable to complete planting first and apply herbicide afterwards to control emerged weeds. Where this occurs, apply herbicides as soon as possible after planting, so that the crop emerges and develops without interference from weeds. Application prior to crop emergence allows for use of higher rates and more choice in herbicides, which can help ensure effective burndown. Effective burndown treatments that also include residual herbicides will help minimize the potential for major weed problems to develop later in the season, especially where glyphosate-resistant weeds occur.

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.

With no-tillage or reduced tillage, increase seeding rates 10% over those
used with conventional tillage. Consult seed company recommendations for
specific hybrid planting rates under reduced tillage. Lower yields in
no-till can sometimes be related to sub-optimal plant populations at
harvest.

Reference
Nielsen, R.L. (Bob). 2008. Corn Planting Date is Important, But….Corny News Network, Purdue Univ. [On-line]. Available at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/articles.08/PltDate-0412.html (Published 12 April 2008)

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C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.

Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868


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