Row Pattern, Plant Density, and Nitrogen Rate Effects on Corn Yield in the Southeastern US
2006
Sorensen, Ronald B. | Lamb, Marshall C. | Butts, Christopher L.
It is uncertain how corn (Zea mays L.) yield would be affected by planting in a twin-row orientation in the southeastern US. The objectives were to compare corn grain yield when: (i) planted in single and twin rows, (ii) plant densities at recommended (1R) and twice the recommended (2R) rate, and (iii) N rates of 168 and 336 kg/ha. Corn was irrigated using a subsurface drip irrigation system. The single and twin row with 1R seed density had the same corn grain yield (10069 kg/ha), stalk diameter (18.1 mm), and test weight (700 kg/m³). Twin-row 2R had lower grain yield (6967 kg/ha) and smaller stalk diameter (12.8 mm) compared with single- or twin-row 1R. Increased N did not affect grain yield or stalk diameter, but did increase grain test weight. Seed cost for the twin-row R2 was two times that of single- or twin-row R1. Seed cost percentage of gross revenue for single and twin R1 was 8% compared with 30% for twin-row R2. Overall, this research implies corn can be planted in a twin-row pattern without loss of yield or gross revenue provided the plant population does not exceed the recommended rate.
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