Farm Talk

Crops

May 27, 2009

Mo. Corn planting ahead of last year

by Julie Abendroth

As of the May 17 USDA Crop Progress & Condition Report, Missouri had planted 54 percent of its intended corn acreage. At the same time in 2008, corn planting was nearly identical, at 52 percent. On average, corn planting is 21 days behind the normal pace of 84 percent complete. Specifically looking at progress in West Central Missouri, the report stated that 33 percent of the intended corn acreage had been planted and 62 percent of the spring tillage had been done.

According to the USDA, statewide corn emergence was 35 percent. There have been numerous reports of emergence problems, with many corn producers considering replanting some or all of their corn acres. Although seed treatments do provide some level of protection for the seed in less-than-optimum soil conditions, poor emergence can still result. Once the seed begins germinating, the seed coat is torn and the tears in the seed coat are entry points that allow pathogens and insects to invade the seed.

Bill Wiebold, University of Missouri Extension state corn specialist, says, “Once germination begins, it is a race between seedling establishment and the seedling enemies.” If soil conditions deteriorate after planting and the germination process slows, the germinating seed will be put at risk and poor emergence can result. Producers are encouraged to scout their planted corn acres, calculate plant populations, evaluate plant spacing variability and examine seedling vigor and health.

Although 2009 planting progress is behind normal, it is still slightly ahead of last year’s pace. Despite poor spring weather conditions in 2008, the statewide yield average was 144 bushel per acre, which was the second highest yield average on record. This is important to keep in mind, as reasonably high yield potential can still be obtained when corn is planted in mid- to late-May. However, yield potential is strongly dependent on weather conditions in July and early-August.

Corn producers who applied their nitrogen in the fall or early spring months and have experienced excessive rainfall are encouraged to test the soil’s nitrate-nitrogen levels. The preplant N test is recommended by fertility specialists when losses of nitrogen fertilizer may have occurred due to excessive rainfall. The test requires sampling the soil to a depth of two feet. The results from the soil preplant N test will help growers determine whether additional nitrogen is required.

MU Extension guide, “Preplant Nitrogen Test for Adjusting Corn Nitrogen Recommendations” (G9177), is available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9177.

For more crop information, contact Julie Abendroth, MU Extension agronomy specialist, at 816-776-6961 or abendrothj@missouri.edu, or visit your local MU Extension Center or www.extension.missouri.edu.

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