Des Moines, Iowa
February 14, 2008
Growers planting corn after corn
need to be on top of their game to maximize yields, compared to
traditional crop rotation systems. Agronomists from
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont
business, say growers' success depends on using best management
practices across the board in: field selection; soil
temperature; hybrid selection; pest management; fertility; and
residue management.
"Despite potential yield reductions with a corn-after-corn crop
system, the economic advantages of growing corn after corn have
outweighed the benefits of rotation for some growers," says
Steve Butzen, Pioneer agronomy information manager.
Field selection
The most successful corn-after-corn producers begin with highly
productive fields, then manage these fields carefully to
minimize compaction, handle excessive residue and maintain soil
fertility.
Butzen recommends growers choose fields for corn-after-corn
production that have historically high corn yields, good
drainage and medium-textured soils with ample water-holding
capacity.
Soil temperature
When it comes time to plant, corn-after-corn fields present a
more adverse environment for corn seed and seedling.
"Don't plant corn-after-corn fields too early - especially when
soils are below 50 degrees and warmer weather is not in the
forecast," says Butzen.
Hybrid/technology selection
Some hybrids are better equipped for corn-after-corn situations
than others. Butzen says Pioneer rates its hybrids for stress
emergence, high residue suitability, resistance to leaf and
stalk diseases, and stalk and root strength. All of these
ratings are available to Pioneer customers to help determine
which hybrids work best in corn-after-corn fields.
Growers should always be sure to:
- Select hybrids with proven
performance under the diverse environments and stresses
their field may encounter.
- Select hybrids with
above-average drought tolerance.
- Select hybrid maturities
that match planting date and seasonal growing degree units,
accounting for cooler soils and slower emergence under corn
residue.
- Choose the
highest-performing genetics with the defensive traits
required for this production system.
Pest management
Butzen says Pioneer offers several
plant and seed technologies for controlling insects and diseases
that increase in corn-after-corn production systems. He says
effective control measures are critical for corn rootworm (CRW),
since CRW pressure tends to be highest in the second and third
years of continuous corn.
"For CRW control, choose from hybrids with a transgenic trait or
an insecticide seed treatment or apply a granular soil
insecticide," Butzen says. "The appropriate option depends on
the level of CRW damage expected in the field and which other
insects need to be managed."
Pioneer offers plant and seed technology options including
Pioneer® brand hybrids with Herculex® XTRA insect protection or
insecticide seed treatments for low to moderate CRW
infestations. Herculex XTRA offers a combination of the Herculex
RW and Herculex I traits to guard against CRW and a broad range
of above-ground insects.
"Western, northern and Mexican corn rootworms are all controlled
by Herculex RW," Butzen explains. "The Herculex I gene protects
against corn borer, black cutworm and western bean cutworm. In
addition, it suppresses corn earworm, and controls fall armyworm
and several other pests. These are important insects to monitor
and manage in a corn-after-corn rotation."
Secondary soil insects such as wireworms, seed corn maggots and
white grubs can be controlled effectively by insecticide seed
treatments.
On the disease front, Butzen notes that seedling disease
problems caused by Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and other
pathogens have increased throughout the U. S. These diseases
reduce stands and yields in corn-after-corn fields.
"Pioneer uses a seed treatment that includes Dynasty® fungicide
for all corn hybrids. Dynasty has increased activity against
several soil fungi that cause corn seedling diseases," says
Butzen.
Fertility management
Soil fertility in corn-after-corn production should be based on
thorough soil testing and local Extension recommendations. Soil
tests are needed to determine soil pH and existing levels of
phosphorous and potassium. Soil pH should be at 6.2 or above.
"In high residue fields, consider using 50 pounds of starter
nitrogen to give plants a faster start," says Butzen. "In all
fields, consider splitting nitrogen applications if possible.
This can reduce nitrogen losses and help ensure corn plants have
adequate nitrogen throughout the season."
Residue management
A corn crop produces more than twice the amount of residue as a
soybean crop. Excessive corn residue can result in cooler soil
temperatures and higher soil moisture at planting.
To counter these problems, Butzen says growers should plan to
manage corn residue effectively at planting. The goal is to
clear residue from the row area.
"Row cleaners, coulters or other residue management attachments
on the planter can help create a more suitable environment in
the seed zone for more rapid germination and emergence," Butzen
says. "In addition, growers should distribute residue evenly at
harvest. Tillage in the fall can help build a good seedbed, but
plan to have adequate labor and equipment if corn acres are
increasing."
Butzen says research studies have shown tillage systems can have
a significant impact on the relative yield of corn after corn
versus corn after soybeans. Clearing residue often from over the
row is important for best yields under no-till.
For further information on early corn planting, contact your
local Pioneer sales professional. In addition to your sales
professional, Pioneer offers a network of agronomists to provide
assistance.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company.
Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating
sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier
life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries,
DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services
for markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
® Registered trademark of Pioneer Hi-Bred.
Herculex insect protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and
Pioneer Hi-Bred. ® Herculex and the HX logo are registered
trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
® Dynasty is registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.
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