Row Pattern, Row Spacing, and Seeding Rate Effects on Corn.

Row pattern, row spacing, and seeding rate can affect crop yield and production economics. In Georgia, common crop rotations include corn (Zea mays L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Previous research has shown that narrow row corn can produce higher yields than wider row spacing, but due to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus incidence in peanut, many producers have adopted the use of the twin row pattern to reduce disease and increase yield. Since corn and peanut are grown in rotation with each other, the use of one planter would be preferred for growers. This study was conducted to determine which row pattern, row spacing, and seeding rate can maximize corn yields. In 2013 and 2014, trials were investigated in Blairsville, GA and Tifton, GA. In this experiment corn was planted in 76 cm and 91-cm single rows and 91-cm twin rows at three seeding rates; low (67,500 seed ha^-1), medium (81,000 seed ha^-1), and high (99,900 seed ha^-1). Yield results for corn in 2013 showed no significant differences among row pattern, row spacing, or seeding rate in Tifton. The 91-cm single row spacing had higher yield (12,300 kg ha^-1) than 76-cm single row (9,700 kg ha^-1) in Blairsville. There was no significant effect of seeding rate on corn yield. Yield results for the 2014 growing season have yet to be collected. From the 2013 results, the lowest seeding rate would result in lowest production costs. However, additional data and research is needed to determine the row pattern, row spacing, and seeding rate combination that will maximize corn yield.