Impact of Uniform Emergence on Corn Growth and Yield.

Examinations of results from research into high yield corn indicates that increased corn yield is only possible when the corn emerges uniformly and grows rapidly from emergence to V6.  The goals of this research are to quantify the impact of late emerging plants on corn growth and yield and to identify fertility and other management practices that enhance emergence and early growth in corn. Studies in 2014 indicated that often more than 10% of corn plants emerge 24 to 48 hours later than the majority of plants in the field and that these late emerging plants are smaller and have significantly less yield potential.  Research studies were conducted that examined emergence from two corn hybrids, three fertility treatments (in-furrow starter and two nutrient seed treatments), and different seeding depths.  This research showed that all three factors influenced uniformity in emergence which ranged from 10 to 90% of the plants emerging on the first day of observance.  The key factors influencing uniformity in emergence were hybrid and seeding depth.  As noted in earlier studies plantes emerging just 24 hours late had fewer kernels, lower kernel weight, and lower yield.  Research studies this season are examining the influence of seeding date on these results.