300 Bushel Corn is Easy in No-Till Chad Lee, Ph.D. Extension Agronomist University of Kentucky...
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Transcript of 300 Bushel Corn is Easy in No-Till Chad Lee, Ph.D. Extension Agronomist University of Kentucky...
300 Bushel Corn is Easy in No-TillChad Lee, Ph.D.Extension AgronomistUniversity of Kentuckyemail: [email protected] website: www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/
1Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 2
Photo taken by Chris Breeze, downloaded from Flickr
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Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 8
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 9
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 10
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Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 12
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 13
300 bushels in no-tillage, Irrigated
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 14
Joel Armistead, Logan County, Kentucky, 2008: 305.91 bu/acre
Name Armistead Farms, 2008Yield, Bu/A 305.91Hybrid DeKalb DKC66-23County Logan CountyPlanting Date 4/17Row Width, inches 30Seeding Rate 36,000Final Stand 35,000Prev. Crop SoybeanP2O5 58K2O 52N 251Split N No, Pre OnlyOther Mg 7lbs, S 2.5 lbs, B 4 lbs, Zn 2.25 lbsSeed Treatment Poncho 250Herbicides Simazine, Phenoxy, Roundup, DegreeInsecticides HeroFungicides HeadlineTillage No-TillPlanter Kinze 2600Harvester CAT Lexion 570R
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 15
Name Armistead Farms, 2008Yield, Bu/A 305.91Hybrid DeKalb DKC66-23County Logan CountyPlanting Date 4/17Row Width, inches 30Seeding Rate 36,000Final Stand 35,000Prev. Crop SoybeanP2O5 58K2O 52N 251Split N No, Pre OnlyOther Mg 7lbs, S 2.5 lbs, B 4 lbs, Zn 2.25 lbsSeed Treatment Poncho 250Herbicides Simazine, Phenoxy, Roundup, DegreeInsecticides HeroFungicides HeadlineTillage No-TillPlanter Kinze 2600Harvester CAT Lexion 570R
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 16
251.00 lbs N/A
305.91 Bu/A
0.82 lbs fert. N/bu
N Uptake, grain
0.7 lbs/bu
215 lbs N/acre
300 bushels in no-till, rainfed
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 17
20 25 30 35 40 450
50100150200250300350 315
2009, Spindletop Farm, Lexington, KY
1,000 seeds/acre
Yield, bu/A
2009, Spindletop Farm4 hybrids: DKC63-42, DKC63-45, DKC64-44 & DKC65-47No-TillLoradale Silt Loam
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 18
Name Spindletop Farm, 2009Yield, Bu/A 315.00Hybrid DeKalb DKC63-24, DKC63-45, DKC65-44, DKC65-47County Fayette CountyPlanting Date 4/27Row Width, inches 30Seeding Rate 45,000Final Stand 47,000Prev. Crop SoybeanP2O5 0 (adequate soil test)K2O 0 (adequate soil test)N 160 lbs/ASplit N No, Sidedress Only (V5)Other noneSeed Treatment Poncho 250Herbicides Lexar + glyphosate fb glyphosateInsecticides NoneFungicides NoneTillage No-TillPlanter John Deere 7200Harvester Hege Wintersteiger
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 19
Name Spindletop Farm, 2009Yield, Bu/A 315.00Hybrid DeKalb DKC63-24, DKC63-45, DKC65-44, DKC65-47County Fayette CountyPlanting Date 4/27Row Width, inches 30Seeding Rate 45,000Final Stand 47,000Prev. Crop SoybeanP2O5 0 (adequate soil test)K2O 0 (adequate soil test)N 160 lbs/ASplit N No, Sidedress Only (V5)Other noneSeed Treatment Poncho 250Herbicides Lexar + glyphosate fb glyphosateInsecticides NoneFungicides NoneTillage No-TillPlanter John Deere 7200Harvester Hege Wintersteiger
160.00 lbs N/A
315.00 Bu/A
0.51 lbs fert. N/bu
N Uptake, grain
0.7 lbs/bu
221 lbs N/acre
2009, 0 N “check”
117 bu/acre
82 lbs N/acre
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 20
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 21
NameArmistead Farms, 2008Irrigated
Spindletop Farm, 2009Rainfed
Yield, Bu/A 305.91 315.00
Hybrid DeKalb DKC66-23DeKalb DKC63-24, DKC63-45, DKC65-44, DKC65-47
County Logan County Fayette CountyPlanting Date 4/17 4/27Row Width, inches 30 30
Seeding Rate 36,000 45,000Final Stand 35,000 47,000Prev. Crop Soybean SoybeanP2O5 58 0 (adequate soil test)K2O 52 0 (adequate soil test)N 251 160 lbs/ASplit N No, Pre Only No, Sidedress Only (V5)
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 22
NameArmistead Farms, 2008Irrigated
Spindletop Farm, 2009Rainfed
Yield, Bu/A 305.91 315.00
OtherMg 7lbs, S 2.5 lbs, B 4 lbs, Zn 2.25 lbs none
Seed Treatment Poncho 250 Poncho 250
HerbicidesSimazine, Phenoxy, Roundup, Degree
Lexar + glyphosate fb glyphosate
Insecticides Hero NoneFungicides Headline NoneTillage No-Till No-TillPlanter Kinze 2600 John Deere 7200Harvester CAT Lexion 570R Hege Wintersteiger
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 23
[(Kernels x Rows) x Ears]/Kernel Size = Bu/Acre
Kernels per Row Rows Kernels
per EarEars per
AcreKernels
per BushelBushels per Acre
33.5 18 603 47000 90000 31530.2 20 604 47000 90000 31537.7 16 603 47000 90000 315
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 24
[(Kernels x Rows) x Ears]/Kernel Size = Bu/Acre
Kernels per Row Rows Kernels
per EarEars per
AcreKernels
per BushelBushels per Acre
33.5 18 603 47000 90000 31530.2 20 604 47000 90000 31537.7 16 603 47000 90000 315
43.5 18 783 35000 90000 30539.2 20 784 35000 90000 30535.7 22 785 35000 90000 305
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 25
Critical Points in Ear and Kernel Development
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 26
Growth Stage What’s Happening
V6 to V8 Rows per ear and ear length start to be determined
V12 to V14 (1 week before R1)
Ovules per row (potential kernels) are determined
R1 to R6 (Silking to Blacklayer)
Actual kernel number and kernel size is determined
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 27
Higher Populations = Smaller Plants = More Yields?
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 28
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 500.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
R² = 0.855035434306336
2009, Spindletop Farm, Lexington, KY
4 HybridsPolynomial (4 Hybrids)
1,000 seeds/acre
Stalk Diam., mm
20 25 30 35 40 450
50100150200250300350 315
2009, Spindletop Farm, Lexington, KY
4 Hy-brids
1,000 seeds/acre
Yield, bu/A
If you are going to push populations, you better have good stalk strength.
Question
• Are you willing to spend $170/acre in seed for 45,000 seeds per acre with a chance of getting 300 bushels?
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 29
$/bag seeds/acre $/acre $300.00 35000 $131.25 $300.00 45000 $168.75
$ 37.50
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 30
Plant-to-Plant Spacing
Row Spacing
(in)Plants /
Acre Plants / Ft
Inches Between
Plants30 30,000 1.7 7.030 35,000 2.0 6.030 40,000 2.3 5.230 45,000 2.6 4.630 50,000 2.9 4.2
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 31
Question
• Are you willing to drive 5 mph during planting?
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 32
Corn and Temperature
• Optimum temperature– Near 90 F, if
moisture is abundant
– Below 80 F, if moisture is limited
• Stress Temperature– Above 90 F: roots
have difficulty taking up water fast enough
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 33
Source: Modern Corn and Soybean Production. 2000. Hoeft, Nafziger, Johnson and Aldrich
Question
• Can you control temperature?
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 34
Corn Water Use
• In the Midwest, corn will use about 20 to 24 inches of water per season
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 35
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 36
Grass-based soil
• In the Midwest, corn will use about 20 to 24 inches of water per season
• Many grass-based loams can hold 10 to 15 inches of water per season.
• Soils with restriction layers may hold 5 inches or less.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 37
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 38
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct01234567 2009 Rainfall, Spindletop Farm, KY
Precipitation30 yr normal
inches
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct0
20
40
60
80
1002009 Average Temperatures, Spindletop Farm, KY
AVG Temp30 Yr Temp
° F
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 39
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct05
101520253035
3 1
2009 Temperature, Spindletop Farm, KY
Days, 90+ Days, 32-
° F
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct0
102030405060
0.00.51.01.52.02.5
2009 Rainfall, Spindletop Farm, KY
% Rain Days Greatest 24 Hr Total
% days inches
Where do you focus, first?
• Seeding uniformity• Seeding rates• Row width• Hybrid selection• N management• Foliar Products
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 40
Corn Grain YieldsWoodford County, Kentucky 2007Dry Weather During Seed Fill
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 41
Year: 2007 Location: Woodford County FarmHybrid: SS777RR2YGPLPoncho 1250-treated seedPlanting: May 3, 2007
15 20 25 30 35 40 45120
140
160
180
200
220
240
R² = 0.916691118022844
R² = 0.977334215589995
2007, Kentucky, Woodford County
IrrigatedIrrigatedRainfedPolynomial (Rainfed)
Seeding Rate (1,000 seeds per acre)
Grai
n Yi
eld,
bu/
a at
13.
5% m
oist
ure
SS777 RR2YGPLSeeded: May 3No-TillMaury silt loam
Population Effect, CornLexington, 2008-2009, 4 Hybrids, VT3 Hybrids and RRCB Hybrids
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 42
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 500
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Corn Seeding Rates, 2008-2009
2009 YieldsPolynomial (2009 Yields)
Seeding Rate
Yield, bu/acre
Population Effect, CornLexington, 2008-2009, 4 Hybrids, VT3 Hybrids and RRCB Hybrids
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 43
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 500
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Corn Seeding Rates, 2008-2009
2008 YieldsLinear (2008 Yields)2009 YieldsPolynomial (2009 Yields)
Seeding Rate
Yield, bu/acre
Twin Row Planter
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 44
Twin Row Corn, Spindletop Farm, KY, 2009
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 45
• Three hybrids:– DeKalb, 1 hybrid
• Developed in 30-inch rows
– Nidera, 2 hybrids• Developed in 20-inch rows
Twin Rows, Narrow RowsLexington, KY, 2009
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 46
30 in 15 in twin0
50
100
150
200
250
234 208 218
Lexington, KY, 2009
Row Type
Grain Yield, Bu/A
***
30 in 15 in twin02468
101214
9.212.6 11.9
Lexington, KY, 2009
Row Type
Silage Yield, T DM/A
****
Spindletop Farm, Lexington, KYNo-Till Following SoybeanLoradale silt loamSeeded: 27 Apr 200935,000 seeds/ALexar+Glyphosate PRE, no POST
AX820CL and XA1143MG are from Nidera in Argentina (developed in 20-inch rows).DKC62-54 is from Monsanto DeKalb
*, **Significantly different from 30-inch rows at 0.10 and 0.05, respectively.
Twin RowsPalmer Amaranth
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 47
Fulton County, KY, 2009Note: Heavy population of Palmer amaranth competing with corn.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 48
single 32 K twin 32 K twin 38 K0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
144 141
167
116 117133
Fulton County, KY, 2009
A6522BtCLA6633BtCL
Yiel
d, b
u/A,
com
bine
har
vest
single 32 K twin 32 K twin 38 K0
50
100
150
200
250
187 180 186
155
181
215
Fulton County, KY, 2009
A6522BtCLA6633BtCL
Yiel
d, B
u/A,
han
d ha
rves
tCombine Harvest Hand Harvest
A6633 A6522 A6633 A6522Estimates --------------------- p value -------------------single, 32K vs twin, 32K 0.7390 0.3691 0.8357 0.6220single, 32K vs twin, 38K 0.9420 0.0606 0.1442 0.1684twin, 32K vs twin, 38K 0.7490 0.2434 0.1041 0.3781
Twin Rows or Population?Fulton County, KY, 2009
• We cannot conclude if row width or population or both affected yield.
• We can conclude that weeds cause real problems…
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 49
25,000 30,000 35,000 0
50
100
150
200
250
R² = 1
R² = 0.86141876352486
Fulton County, KY, 2009
A6522BtCLLinear (A6522BtCL)A6632BtCLPolynomial (A6632BtCL)
Ears/Acre
Yiel
d, b
u/A
AgriGold Study, Madisonville, KY, 2009
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 50
34 34 38 38 44 44single twin single twin single twin
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
229 239 240 261 236284
ArigGold, Madisonville, KY, 2009
Row Configuration
Yiel
d, B
u/A
Madisonville, KY, 2009Herring FarmsAgriGold A6533Planted: 25-Apr-09Clay loam soilconventional tillage
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 51
Pioneer, 2010, Iowa, 2 Locations, 20 Hybrids, 30 vs. twin at 36 and 42K seeds/A.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 52
Narrow Row Corn, KY, 2010
• Yields were 90 to 110 bu/acre
• No difference between row widths.
• Water was the limiting factor.
Corn Row Widths, United States
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 53
Corn, Narrow vs. Wide Row Widths
Location
1-TX 2-SC 3-KY 4-IL 5-MO 6-PA 7-IA 8-IA 9-MI 10-MI 11-MI 12-MI 13-WI 14-WI 15-MN 16-MN 17-MN 18-MN 19-MN 20-MN
Yie
ld D
iffe
ren
ce (
%)
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
Down the Road
• Seeding rates (and final populations) will increase over time.
• At some point, narrow rows will make more sense.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 54
Row Spacing (in) Plants / Acre
Inches Between Plants
30 50,000 4.220 50,000 6.315 50,000 8.4
What about Nitrogen?
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 55
160.00 lbs N/A
315.00 Bu/A
0.51 lbs fert. N/bu
251.00 lbs N/A
305.91 Bu/A
0.82 lbs fert. N/bu
0 50 100 150 200 250 3000
100
200
300
400
0.7 lbs N / bushel of corn
lbs N/Acre
Yield, bu/A
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 56
Nitrogen Use
Boundary Condition• All N applied is taken
up by the plant. No additional N from the soil, atmosphere, etc.
• N applied = N removed
• 0.7 lbs N / bushel of corn
Real World• Fertilizer N is applied. • Some N is lost. • Soil makes some N
available.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 57
MRTN – Maximum Return to N
Corn Nitrogen Removal = 0.7 lb per bushel
181/0.7 = 259 bu/acre
Profitable range 171-190 lbs NSource: Greg Schwab
Iowa Corn following Corn: 89 sites, N at $0.50/lb; corn at $5.60/bu58Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
MRTN – Maximum Return to N
Source: Greg Schwab
59Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 60
0 50 100 150 200 2500
50
100
150
200
250
300
Economic Optimum N Rate
Economic Optimum N Rate, lbs N/acre
Corn Yield, bu/A
0 50 100 150 200 2500
50
100
150
200
250
300
Economic Optimum N Rate
Economic Optimum N Rate, lbs N/acre
Corn Yield, bu/A
MRTN – Maximum Return to N
Source: Greg Schwab
61Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
89 sites total
MRTN – Maximum Return to NRecommended range 171-190 Using MRTN
89 sites total 21 Sites Within Range
What about The Others?Source: Greg Schwab
62Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
Recommended range using 1.2 x Yield (19 lb range)
89 Sites total: 28 Sites Within Range
(Old) Illinois Yield Goal Approach
Source: Greg Schwab
63Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
Lessons from the N Rate Calculator
The MRTN method MIGHT NOT improve efficiency
Improvements are possible if you understand the scatter
Environment Past N MgmtPrecipitationPlacement Drainage
LossesVolatilizationImmobilizationDenitrificationLeaching
Source: Greg Schwab
64Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
What affects N use/loss?
Environment/Management• Past N Management• Precipitation• N Placement• Soil drainage• Tillage System
Losses
• Volatilization• Immobilization• Denitrification• Leaching
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 65
Average Corn Grain Yield Response to Nitrogen and Tillage(1994 - 2008)
40
60
80
100
120
140
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Fertilizer Nitrogen (lb N/acre/yr)
Gra
in Y
ield
(bu/
acre
/yr)
NT
MP
Long-Term No-Till vs Till Plots, Spindletop Farm, Lexington, KY, 1970-2008Data source: John Grove
66Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 67
Table 13. Recommended application of nitrogen (lb N/A), corn.
Previous Crop Tillage1
Soil Drainage Class2
Well-Drained
Moder-ately Well-
Drained Poorly
Drained
Corn, sorghum, soybean, small grain, fallow
Intensive 100-140 140-175 175-200
Conservation 125-165 165-200
1 Intensive tillage has less than 30% residue cover, and conservation tillage has more than 30% residue cover on the soil at planting.
2 Soil drainage class examples are given on page 3.
AGR-1: Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations
If 0.7 lbs N / bu, then max yield is 200 bu/A
If 0.8 lbs N / bu, then max yield is 175 bu/A
N Management
• N source• N timing• N placement• Soil Type• Soil Condition• Weather• Tillage History• Previous Crop(s)• Previous N Management• Realistic Yield Goal
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 68
In my Opinion…
Fertilizer N Rate
Question
• Are you willing to apply about 240 lbs N/acre in an attempt to reach 300 bu/acre?– Lack of water will reduce yields– High temperatures will reduce yields
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 69
Hybrids with greater NUE?
• Yields have gone up over time. Nitrogen rates have not.
• Either:– Hybrids are more efficient at using N, or– Hybrids do a better job of taking up N, or– Our application methods are losing less N, or– Some combination of the above
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 70
Each bushel of corn contains about 0.7 lbs of N. Do we want to change this number?
Define cheap…
• $5 per acre• $10 per acre• $15 per acre
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 71
Is this cheap?
Soil-Applied Fertilizers
• KCl about $0.80/lb K2O
• DAP about $0.60/lb P2O5
Foliar Fertilizer• 3-18-18, $9.50/gallon
– About $2.63 /lb K2O
– About $2.63/lb P2O5
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 72
Foliar-applied fertilizers are taken up more readily by the plant.
More to the Story…Leaves are not designed to take up large amounts…only a 1 to 2 lbs at a time.You would need multiple foliar applications to do what soil-applied fertilizers and the roots do.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 73
Greg Schwab
Total uptake of selected nutrients
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 74
Crop Yield N P K Ca Mg S Cu Mn Zn
Corn 150 164 90 174 28 28 24 0.11 1.6 0.45
Corn 300 328 180 349 56 56 48 0.22 3.2 0.90
2 Qt/Acre = 5 lbs/AcreApplication Rate
Nutrient Analysis 2 qt/a 10 gal/acre% lbs/A lbs/A
N 11% 0.55 11P 8% 0.5 8K 5% 0.25 5B 0.2% 0.01 0.2Cu 0.05% 0.0025 0.05Fe 0.1% 0.005 0.1Mn 0.05% 0.0025 0.05Mo 0.005% 0.00025 0.005Zn 0.05% 0.0025 0.05
Greg Schwab
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 75
High yield system for Corn
1. Productive soils (deep, no compaction)2. Adequate, timely rainfall (or irrigation)3. Good genetics (not specific traits)4. Rotate crops5. Plant on time (not necessarily early)6. Adjust pH and fertilize to soil test; adequate N7. Capture nearly 100% sunlight by about R18. Excellent weed control (no trophy-hunting)9. Scout for diseases & insects10.Identify limitations and improve those
High Yield Corn?
• Identify the limitations – In your fields– In your equipment– In your personnel– In your operation
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 76
What is your goal?
• Try to find the next 15 to 20 bushels.
• Keep targeting that and you may get to 300.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 77
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 78
High yield system for Corn
1. Productive soils (deep, no compaction)2. Adequate, timely rainfall (or irrigation)3. Good genetics (not specific traits)4. Rotate crops5. Plant on time (not necessarily early)6. Adjust pH and fertilize to soil test; adequate N7. Capture nearly 100% sunlight by about R18. Excellent weed control (no trophy-hunting)9. Scout for diseases & insects10.Identify limitations and improve those
Still not happy with your yields?
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 79
High Input Protocol for Irrigated Corn• Select a good hybrid (work with your seed rep)• 45,000 seeds/acre (you choose row spacing)• pH, adjusted to soil test• P: 120 lbs P2O5/A above soil test
• K: 120 lbs K2O/A above soil test
• Zn: 10 lbs/A (about 4 lbs/A if applied with starter)• Sulfur: 20 lbs S/A• Boron: 1 lb B/A• Nitrogen: 240 lbs N/A, or more (can be applied in
split applications)• Weed control: 6-inch limit on weeds• Fungicide at V5 + VT/R1 (tassel/silking)• Insecticide: optional
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 80
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 81
High Input Protocol $/acre45,000 seeds/A $ 37.50 pH, adjusted to soil testP: 120 lbs P2O5/A above soil test $ 113.00 K: 120 lbs K2O/A above soil test $ 54.50 Zn: 10 lbs Zn/A (4lbs/A if applied with starter) $ 34.00 Sulfur: 20 lbs S/A $ 15.00 Boron: 1 lb B/A $ 3.64 N: 240 lbs N/A, or more (can be split applications) $ 24.00 Weed control: prevent summer annuals from getting above 6 inches $ 15.00 Fungicide at V5 and again at VT/R1 (tassel/silking) $ 30.00
Total $ 326.64
Needs replication across fields or farms.
$ 326.64 extra per acre
If $326.64 / acre is too much…
• … and you are comfortable spending $5 / acre
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 82
• Then donate that $5/acre to the university research fund and let us help figure out yield limitations.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 83
Dr. Peter ThomisonThe Ohio State University 228 Kottman Hall2021 Coffey RdColumbus, OH 43210
Thank you for your attention!
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 84
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 85
TOTAL YIELD
Yield Limitations
TOTAL YIELD
Gen
etic
sS
oils
Nu
trie
nts
Wee
ds
Gen
etic
sS
oils
Nu
trie
nts
Wee
ds
TOP TEN:
1. Plant early, use seed treatments, hope no late freeze occurs
2. Pick a hybrid/variety with good yield potential…forget about defensive traits.
3. 20-inch rows, high populations4. Correct pH, add more fertilizer &
manure (don’t worry about regulations on P)
5. Irrigate at night, absolutely no moisture stress; keep plants cool during day
86Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
Money is NOT an issue
TOP TENMoney is NOT an issue…page 2
6. Keep temps below 70° F at night during flowering, pollination and seed fill
7. Have at least 120 days for growth & development
8. “Spoon feed” N through the irrigation
87Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
TOP TENMoney is NOT an issue…page 3
9. Have very few cloudy days…10.Keep weeds, diseases and insects
out of field…take no prisoners– Weeds: do not let them get above 2
inches– Diseases & Insects: spray every 7 to 10
days from just prior to reproductive development through seed fill
11.Harvest early…about 30% grain moisture
88Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011
Argentine corn hybrids have more red in the kernels than North American hybrids. Cattle producers prefer to red tint.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 89
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 90
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 91
How can you separate the noise?
• Look for studies with stats reported. No stats, no predictability.
• If you do a study… replicate the treatments.
• Replicates can be:– In the same field– In separate fields– On separate farms
• We’ll help with the analysis.
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky ©, 2009-2011 92
A simple “Strip Plot”…
• Tells how you two treatments did. • Without replicates, you have no way to
separate performance from the noise.
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Duvick and Cassman, 1999. Crop Sci 39:1622-1630.
Excellent Weed Control
• Weeds about 6” tall will reduce yields.• Allowing weeds to go to seed creates
problems for the next year. • A soil-applied program following by
postemergence applications are usually very good options.
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Adequate Fertility
• Soil test! Every 2 years.• 20 acre-increments.• University of Kentucky
follows economic yield response curve. Other labs use a replacement value.
• AGR-1 Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations for Kentucky
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University of Kentucky Thresholds (AGR-1)
Crop Nutrient Soil Test (lbs/acre)
Amount to Apply
Corn For Grain P2O5 >60 0
K2O >300 0
Soybean P2O5 >60 0
K2O >300 0
Corn Silage P2O5 >60 0
K2O >420 0
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Corn Growth Stages
V33 Collars
Nodal roots active.Growing point below ground
V66 collars
Growing point above ground.Tassel and ear development starting.
V1212 collars
Ear size, kernel size and kernel number being determined.Limits on water and/or nutrients will reduce yields.
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Corn Growth Stages
V1515 collars
Rapid growth, about 10 to 12 days before silking.Most sensitive to stress.
VTtassel
Last tassel branch is visible but prior to silking. Complete leaf loss will cause nearly 100% yield loss.
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Corn Growth Stages
• Comparing visible collars to actual nodes.• Tassel and ear development start early.
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Corn Growth Stages
R1Silking
N and P uptake are rapid.About 50% of total N is taken up after R1.K uptake is nearly complete.Water needed for pollination. Pollination occurs.
R2Blister
Ear size nearly complete.Silks begin to dry out.A miniature corn plant is being formed in each fertilized kernel.
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Corn Growth Stages
R4Dough
Kernels have accumulated ½ of total dry weight. Five leaves have formed in the kernel.
R5Dent
Most kernels have dented and are near 55% moisture at start.Starch layer has formed and progresses down the kernel.
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Corn Growth Stages
R6Physiological Maturity
Blacklayer has formed at bottom of kernel. Kernel is about 30 to 35% moisture.
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Corn Growing Degree Days
• Corn Growing Degree Day• Base 50° F• Max 86° F• Min 50° F
• Calculate average daily temperature (but not going below 50 for the low or 86 for the high)
• Example: Daily low of 66 and high of 90• ((66 + 86)/2) – 50 = 26 GDDs
No higher than 86
Corn Growing Degree Days
• Corn Growing Degree Day• Base 50° F• Max 86° F• Min 50° F
• Calculate average daily temperature (but not going below 50 for the low or 86 for the high)
• Example: – Daily low of 40 and high of 60– ((50 + 60)/2) – 50 = 5 GDDs
No lower than 50
Corn Growing Degree Days
• About 100 to 125 GDDs are required for crop emergence. • About 82 GDDs are required for each collar developed after
emergence. • Example:
– 700 GDDs have accumulated since planting. – 700 – 125 = 575 GDDs since emergence– 575/82 = 7 so, the corn should be close to V7
Corn and Soybean Field Guide, 2010 Edition
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Table 1. Normal Range of CEC Values for Common Color/Texture Soil Groups.CEC in Soil Groups Examples meg/100g
Light colored sands Plainfield 3 to 5Bloomfield
Dark colored sands Maumee 10 to 20Gilford
Light colored loams and silt loams Clermont-Miami 10 to 20Miami
Dark Colored loams and silt loams Sidell 15 to 25Gennessee
Dark Colored silty clay loams and silty clays Pewamo 30 to 40
Hoytville
Organic soils Carlisle muck 50 to 100
Source: David Mengel. 1993. AY-238: Fundamentals of Soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Purdue Univ.
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