Evaluating Corn Stands

After what seemed like an incredible start to the planting season, mother nature has once again reminded us how fickle our springtime weather can be. As a result, we are now looking at corn and soybeans which have been planted from one to five weeks, with varying results. That says nothing about the acres left to plant.

Observations:

• Very early planted corn generally looks good. Stands are even, as
  that corn was planted into reasonably warm soils in mid-April. It
  emerged quickly and evenly, which is critical to a good corn crop.
• Corn planted April 21-23 varies from very nice to somewhat uneven. In
  certain geographies it will need to be replanted or spotted in.
• Anything planted since then, if you had soils dry enough to plant, is
  from good to struggling hard.

Replant or not? As you scout fields:

• Don’t worry too much about yellow corn. If the plant is healthy, it will green up quickly once the sun shines (photosynthesis kicks in in earnest).
• Stands counts are essential. The standard, and very effective method, is to count the number of viable plants in 17.5 feet of row. That number of plants times 1,000 gives you an estimate of plants per acre. Take numerous counts across the field.
• Non-emerged seedlings. If corn seedlings leaf out underground, rarely will they result in full yield, even if they do emerge. Do not count those plants in determining replant strategy.
• Assess plant health. Don’t worry about blotchiness or discoloration on leaves if it is just spotty. Most of that is environmental damage of one kind or another and doesn’t affect plant growth too much. The biggest issue to look at in plant health is underground. Dig plants and carefully shake or wash off the soil. Examine the roots for color – they should be white. Brown and/or water spots on roots indicate disease (pythium or other “water molds”). If you find much disease, the stand may be permanently compromised.

Call to have us look at fields with you and/or to help you decide when replant is warranted.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact:

Terry Jones CPAg, Regional Agronomist @ 419.346.7786 or tmj@brodbeckseed.com or

Rod King CCA, Regional Agronomist @ 574.596.6721 or rking@brodbeckseed.com