The theoretical advantages of ultra narrow corn rows are that plant spacing is more equidistant, the crop canopy closes faster, and weed control from a crop competition standpoint is improved. Some disadvantages include the current lack of narrow row equipment, the cost of converting or replacing current equipment, and the challenge of doing field operations after the corn has emerged.

    Narrow row corn research results from around Wisconsin are presented in Table 1. At each location, corn was planted in 30 inch rows and either 15 or 20 inch rows. All trials represent data from replicated field trials.

    At ten of the twelve Wisconsin site-years there was a positive response to narrow row spacings. Both negative responses occurred in Manitowoc County. Across all locations, a 3.6 percent yield increase was measured.

    When sifting through the narrow row information, keep in mind that costs must be weighed against potential yield benefits. For some, modifying existing corn planters and combine heads may be done without a large capital outlay. For others, it may mean purchasing new equipment at a much higher cost. This is clearly a management practice where the return will be more easily justified where larger acreages are planted. Each farm situation will be different.