Allelopathy: A cause for yield penalties in corn following corn?

Based on research and in-field experience, we are confident yields are reduced when corn follows corn in Iowa cropping systems. The question many ask though is why? What are the causes? Some point to allelopathy and wonder if this is the major cause. Researchers have examined this specific question over the last two decades. We will discuss some of their research findings in this article

Lessons from 2008 Corn Planting Date Studies

Many of us would like to forget the 2008 growing season; although the year turned out better than any of us could have hoped or expected (see Dec 9 2008 ICM for details on this). Research data from 2008, in general, is more variable due to weather conditions – yet significant lessons were learned from a year that broke several paradigms. This includes our long-term, multi-location planting date research

300 bushels of corn . . . when and how?

Corn yield potential is an important topic for discussion--driven by the imminent need to either grow corn on acres currently allocated to other crops or increase corn yields. Bob Wisner, Iowa State University economist, stated at the 2006 ICM Conference that there are a couple of avenues to obtain enough corn for the ever-increasing demand for corn in Iowa these next four to five years

Flooded Corn and Saturated Soils

The storms last Sunday, May 25, and again on the May 29 and 30 have unloaded extraordinary amounts of rain in many parts of Iowa. Soils in the majority of the state are likely saturated. Low lying areas of fields whether they are tiled or not, are covered with ponds and areas along streams and rivers are flooded. It is not an attractive sight for producers

Update on Corn Plant Populations and Seed Costs

Plant populations continue to increase and, unfortunately, so do seed costs. Certainly hybrids today withstand the stress of higher seeding rates better than ever before. In fact, higher seeding rates are one component that drove annual yield increases the last several decades

Do polymer coatings help with early corn plantings?

With many producers wanting to plant earlier and earlier, the use of polymer coatings has been questioned. Polymer coatings are designed to stay intact until a soil temperature of 55° F is reached, at which time water can penetrate the coating. Some have questioned whether coated seed is a key factor for early plantings to be successful. Does the addition of this coating help to extend the planting window even earlier? A comparison of polymer-coated and non-coated seed was included for each planting date study highlighted in the article, Has the best time to plant corn changed?

Corn Planting Begins

As of Sunday, April 19, six percent of Iowa’s corn sits in Iowa’s fields imbibing moisture and experiencing the beginning of the germination process. In our planting date research trials, corn planted during the first week of April has sprouted with a one-fourth inch root emerged. The season begins

Corn seeding rates and variable-rate seeding

The current demand for corn has generated a great deal of discussion this past winter of corn yields exceeding 300 bushels per acre. What management considerations should producers make when aiming for high yields? As corn hybrids have developed, the focus by scientists has been toward increasing stress tolerance of individual corn plants. Corn yield potential per plant has not increased over the past 50 years, but the amount of yield per acre has increased. Hybrids can tolerate their neighbors today better than ever and are therefore able to withstand higher plant densities while still producing an ear