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Corn Row Spacing
5/5/2004
Ron F. Meyer
Area Extension Agent
(Agronomy)
Colorado State University Extension
Golden Plains
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In an effort to increase yield potential, a number of both corn
producers and researchers are looking at row spacings that are narrower than 30
inches. Advantages of narrow row corn production are obvious: increased
leaf area index and a quicker crop canopy. Other crops, such
as soybean, are currently grown with much narrower row spacing than in the
past, with yields equal to or greater than the traditional 30 inch row
spacing. However, although yield increases have been noted in some corn
producing areas, consistent yield advantages with narrow rows using current
production practices are difficult to find in other locations.
It
appears that in some Northern Plains corn producing areas, narrow row corn
production has increased yields versus 30 inch row spacing. For instance,
a study compiled by S. Paszkiewicz found that in both Canada and Minnesota,
narrow row corn production increased yield by as much as 10%.
But in parts of Southern Ohio and Missouri, narrow rows reduced corn yields by
4 and 9 percent, respectively, when compared to 30 inch row spacing. In
this study, yields were found to decrease as locations moved from northern
sites to southern. In another study by Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
corn yields from narrow row spacing also decreased as locations moved from
northern Iowa to Central Nebraska. This study documented narrow row
corn yield advantages of 8.5 percent at Ankeny, Iowa but found no
advantages at York, Nebraska. C. Shapiro, University of Nebraska ,
found a slight yield advantage to narrow row spacing at a location north of
York, Nebraska . Corn yield was increased by 6 bushels per acre from 20
inch versus 30 inch row spacing. However, a study conducted at the
Irrigation Research Farm by the Yuma FFA members, located in Yuma County,
Colorado found greater lodging and lower yield with 15 versus 30 inch
rows.
Source: S. Paszkiewicz, Pioneer
Hi-Bred Intl.
Are there corn hybrids that respond better to narrow
rows? The answer is yes. A number of corn seed companies have
researched the subject and found positive corn hybrid by row spacing
interactions. However, the number of hybrids that do react to narrow rows
is small. From trials that have tested up to 40 hybrids, only 2 or
3 were found that favored narrow row spacing. Therefore, if narrow row
corn production is chosen, ask your local seed dealer for varieties that work
well with the intended row spacing.
Current research also indicates that
plant population is important with regard to narrow row spacing.
University of Nebraska researchers compared 25,000, 30,000, and 35,000 plants
per acre with 20 and 30 inch row spacing. Rather interestingly, while
yields from 30 inch row spacing began to taper off at populations of
approximately 30,000 plants per acre, yields from 20 inch row spacing continued
to increase. From locations north of Interstate 80 in Nebraska, 20 inch
row spacing at 35,000 plants per acre yielded more than 30 inch row
spacing at 30,000 plants per acre.
In summary, corn hybrid interactions
by row width exist, but only a few hybrids have been identified that respond
positively. Studies involving tillage systems did not find yield
differences between row spacing. Yield from 30 inch row spacing began to level
at plant populations near 30,000 plants per acre, while yields from narrower
row spacing continued to increase above 30,000 plants per acre. Stalk
lodging increased as both row widths became narrower and plant populations
increased. Narrow row spacing yielded higher in the Northern Corn Belt
than any other region.
Unfortunately, little published work with corn
row spacing has been done within Colorado’s borders. As a result,
narrow row corn production may or may not have merit for Colorado producers and
much more research is needed in this area. |
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
5/12/2004 |
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