2017 Kentucky Corn Planting Depth Study
The purpose of this study is to examine how planting depth impacts plant population, emergence and yield.
OBSERVATION
When planting corn, water, oxygen, and proper seed-to-soil contact are necessary for emergence. Planting deeper leads to deeper nodal root development, which allows the roots to grow at a depth with more consistent soil moisture that typically creates more uniform emergence. Deeper roots means the crop is able to mitigate stress during dryer periods of the growing season, and the larger overall root system promotes better standability later in the season.
2-YEAR PLANTING DEPTH YIELD AVERAGE
STUDY INFORMATION
Planted 4/12/2017 | Harvested 9/11/2017 | Population 32,000 Seeds/A. | Row Width 30 in. | Previous Crop Soybeans | Tillage Fall: Vertical-Till, Spring: Vertical-Till/Field Cultivation | Herbicides Pre: 3.5 oz. Corvus®, 1 lb. Atrazine Post: 3 oz. Capreno®, 1 lb. Atrazine | Insecticides Escalate™ | Starter 9 gal. 30-0-0 2x2 | Total Nitrogen 190 Units as UAN | Brand 6589V2P | Soil Type Dekoven and Wakeland (Silt Loam) | Soil Test Values pH 7.9, O.M. % 2.3, CEC 17.9 | Percent Base Saturation Ca 89.4, Mg 9.8, K 0.8, H 0 | Parts Per Million P 12, K 54, S 10, Zn 2.7, Mn 46, B 0.3