Combined 3-year Results from Wisconsin Narrow Row Corn Trials Mike Rankin Previously,
we have discussed the results of growing ultra-narrow row corn for silage.
Now let’s take a look at the prospects of reducing row spacing
for harvesting grain. Recall
that the theoretical advantages to growing corn in ultra-narrow corn rows
are that plant spacing is more equidistant, the crop canopy closes faster,
and weed control from greater crop competition 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. Research
from most of the corn belt states has shown an overall 3 to 4 percent
advantage to growing corn in ultra-narrow rows.
However, the results have been variable with no common thread to
predict when growers might expect more positive results.
The most consistent and positive yield increases have been reported
in our neighboring states of Michigan and Minnesota.
Research in both of these states has shown grain yield increases
from narrow rows ranging from 2 to 10 percent.
This would imply that perhaps the best opportunity for economic
returns to using narrow row corn spacings is in regions with shorter
growing season environments. 1997-99 Wisconsin and Fond du Lac Results 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. |
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At
ten of the sixteen Wisconsin site-years there was a positive response to
narrow row spacings. The
range in yield response spanned from a +15.3 to a –9.1 percent.
A negative response to narrow rows was measured at all locations in
1999. Across all site-years,
a 2.1 percent yield increase was measured. It appears that the yield response to narrow rows for grain is not as great as what has been measured for silage where relatively consistent responses have been seen in the 5 to 10 percent range. 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.
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Plant Density EffectsAt all test locations, the effect of planting rate was also evaluated. Optimum planting rates for ultra-narrow rows seem to be the same as that for more traditional 30 inch rows. Most research confirms optimum planting rates in the 30,000 to 35,000 seeds per acre range. |
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