The Future of Corn Planting Populations

SMARTER SEED FOR SMARTER FARMERS

During the last 80 years, corn planting populations have increased steadily. During that same period, average corn yields have also increased. While there are many factors that have led to the increase in corn yields, it is clear that a correlation exists between increased planting populations and increases in yield.

Stine Seed is dedicated to looking ahead at future corn technologies to determine how growers can realize even greater profits. Stine Seed Company offers some of the most powerful genetics on the market, genetics which are designed to perform at higher populations in order to maximize per acre profits.

PROFIT VS. POPULATION

The last century of agricultural data shows corn planting populations and yields have increased steadily. At the same time, growers have been decreasing row widths to allow them to place more seeds per acre.

Recommendations on proper planting population are almost always based on past experience with existing genetics, and as a result are consistently too low for the newest and best genetics. While planting corn at a higher population can mean a bigger investment in seed, it’s important to remember that choosing the right seed, and the right population, will result in higher yields and profits for growers.

Stine’s entire corn research program is geared toward discovering new hybrids that lend themselves to a higher planting rate, thereby increasing yields and potential profits for growers.

GENETICS IN PLANTING POPULATIONS

When it comes to higher populations, not all hybrids are created equal. The decision to move toward higher populations requires selection of the right genetics. In general, the newer the genetics, the better the ability to handle higher plant populations. In this way, the hybrids of tomorrow cannot be planted at the same populations as the hybrids of the past.**

Through extensive and ongoing research, Stine is developing corn hybrids that favor higher planting populations. Today, Stine researchers are evaluating experimental Stine hybrids planted in 20-inch rows at up to 50,000 seeds per acre. The good news is these plants are yielding higher than ever before. The compact plant structure and thicker rhinds create sturdy plants that are up to the task of high populations, and represent the future of corn genetics. These genetics are key for higher plant populations and higher yields.

The best yields of the future will likely come from new corn genetics with plant populations exceeding 40,000 plants per acre, and in row widths of less than 30 inches.

DETERMINING THE BEST CORN PLANTING POPULATION FOR YOUR OPERATION

A recent study indicated almost half of farmers had not changed their seeding rate in the past five years, even though seed technology has changed dramatically over that period of time.

Planting populations have a significant impact on yield. But how do you choose the best population for your farm? The answer isn’t exactly black and white.

Plant population does impact yield. Many hybrids suggest ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 plants per acre, with the variance based on row width, soil type, available moisture and yield goal. Typically, lower planting rates are recommended for fields with low yield potential or poor soil and higher rates are encouraged with fertile soil.

Today’s technology has allowed Stine to develop hybrids that excel in each scenario, so we can forecast the optimum planting rate by hybrid in each individual field situation.

Along with fertility, the key ingredient for capturing maximum yield is sunlight. Ideally, you should look down the row pre-tassel and not see any filtration of sunlight. If this is done, you are maximizing sun exposure and photosynthesis, which enables the plant to make food. Stine researchers are developing plants with a greater leaf area index, allowing for maximum light interception.

During planting, one key point to remember is to plant 5 to 15 percent more seed than your expected final stand to allow for germination failure and seedling mortality. For a good, strong stalk, make sure soil tests are in the very high category for Phosphorus and Potassium. Avoid certain hybrids on soils that lack fertility. Hybrids that have upright narrow leaves -- such as Stine 9416, Stine 9417, and Stine 9526 -- work very well in this type of environment. And remember, Stine genetics tend to be shorter in height than some of our competitors’ varieties, which translates into better standibility in high populations. As an added bonus, most of our hybrids leave behind less residue to deal with. As always, protecting the plant is essential to avoid extra stress. Stine recommends using products with in-plant insect protection (such as VT TriplePRO) and a seed-applied insecticide (such as Poncho 250.)

** Research conclusions by Dr. Duvick of Iowa State, a former research director at Pioneer.