CCA Training at Natural Bridge Corn and Small Grains Production Morris Bitzer Jim Herbek Chad Lee

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn © 2002 University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Planting Date Plant Population and Row Width Maturity © 2002 University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Planting Date Plant Population and Row Width Maturity © 2002 University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Date of Planting – Corn and Grain Silage Lexington Date planted RelativeYieldRatio MaturityBu/A 35% Ear:Forage April 20 Full :44 May 6 Full :41 May 21 Full :40 May 31 Full :40 June 10 Full :43 Early :40 June 29 Early :52 May 20 S :58

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Planting Depth and Planting Date Planting Depth Planting Date April 13 May 2 (inches) % Stand Days to Emerge % Stand Days to Emerge Average

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Germination Temperature for Corn 50 O F at a 2-inch depth for three or four days is excellent. Soil temperature at 50 O F at 7:00 am or 55 O F at 1:00 should ensure that temperatures are suitable for germination and growth.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Planting Dates in Kentucky Corn should be planted by: Far Western KY May 1 Western-Central KY May 10 Eastern KY May 15 Plant an earlier-maturing hybrid if corn planting is delayed after: June 5 A 1% yield loss per day can be expected in corn planted after: May From ID-139: A Comprehensive Guide to Corn Management in Kentucky.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Planting Date Plant Population and Row Width Maturity © 2002 University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Population Effect on Corn Yields (Hardin County, Kentucky, ) Population Corn Yield (Bu/A) Plants/ANo-TillConventional 14-18, , , Average146120

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Hybrid and Population Effect on Grain Yield Plants/A Yield (bu/A) IrrigatedRainfedIrrigatedRainfed Pioneer 3160 B73 x P A 91 20, , , DeKalb XL32AA A , , , Population resulting in highest yield varied across hybrids and water regimes.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Hybrid by Population Interactions Fig. 2 The relationship between hybrid yield at different plant densities and year of release. Data were obtained from field experiments conducted at three locations in central Iowa in Duvick D.N., and K.G. Cassman Crop Science 39: ,000 plants/A 12,000 plants/A 32,000 plants/A

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Recommended Corn Seeding Rates (Greatest Limiting Factor to Corn Yield) Plants / Acre Rainfed Grain Corn (No-Till and Conventional) 22,000 – 30,000 Irrigated Grain (No-Till and Conventional) 26,000 – 32,000 Silage 24, ,000 From ID-139: A Comprehensive Guide to Corn Management in Kentucky.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Planting Date Plant Population and Row Width Maturity © 2002 University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Maturity 1.Calendar Days 2.Relative to a Standard 3.Daily and Seasonal Temperatures

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Growing Degree Days GDD Adopted in 1970 by Hybrid Seed Corn Industry GDD – based on the number of heat units necessary for corn to reach physiological maturity

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension GDD for Corn GDD = MAX + MIN O F MAXIMUM: no higher than 86 O F MINIMUM: no lower than 50 O F GDD = O F = 11 Example: Daily Temps MAX temp of 70 MIN temp of 52 Example: Daily Temps MAX temp of 90 MIN temp of 67 GDD = O F = 26.5

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Relative Maturities (GDD) Early: Medium: Medium-Late: Late:>2750

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension The major factor influencing vegetative development in grain crops is: TEMPERATURE Ideal Growing Temperatures for: Corn= 77 to 88 o F Soybean= 65 to 84 o F Wheat= 62 to 73 o F

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn – Extension Resources ID-139: A Comprehensive Guide to Corn Management in Kentucky U.K. Extension Grain Crops website: For Agents Only:

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Small Grains © 2002 University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Small Grains Winterhardiness Seeding Dates Seeding Rates Yield Potential Based on Stands

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension SMALL GRAIN WINTER HARDINESS RyeTriticaleWheatBarleyOats Winterhardiness

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Small Grain Seeding Dates GRAIN Barley and Oats October 1 – 15 Wheat October 15 – 30 FORAGE Barley and Oats September Wheat October 1 – 15 Rye September 15 + Triticale October

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Seeding Rate Guide per Unit Area (ft 2 ) Based on Row Width and Row Length Drill Row Width Linear Length of Row Needed to Equal 1 ft 2 Seeds/Row Foot Needed (inches)(inches) 35 seeds per ft 2 30 seeds per ft SQUARE FOOT OF ROW = 144 IN 2 / ROW WIDTH = LINEAR INCHES OF ROW.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Wheat Yield Potential Based on Plants Per Square Foot % Stand Plants/sq ft a % Yield Potential b a Multiply by 9 for plants/square yard. b This provides and estimate of the relationship of wheat stand to yield potential and is only a guide. Economic Threshold

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension No-Till Wheat Seeding Rates Light Residue Capable Drill Heavy, Uneven residue Drill Problems Should seeding rates be increased for no-till? If less than optimum planting conditions, increase seeding rates for no-till wheat by 10-15% (35-40 seeds/ft 2 ). Probably Not Yes

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension The major factor influencing vegetative development in grain crops is: Ideal Growing Temperatures for: Corn= 77 to 88 o F Soybean= 65 to 84 o F Wheat= 62 to 73 o F TEMPERATURE

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Small Grains – Extension Resources ID-125: A Comprehensive Guide to Wheat Management in Kentucky U.K. Extension Grain Crops website: For Agents Only:

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Grain Crops Website

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Basketball Starts... Nov , 2002.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Thank You!! © 2002 University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension More on Corn

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Effect of Tillage and Planting Date on Corn Yield 4 year avg. ( ) Planting Date ConventionalNo-TillAvg. Corn Yield (bu/A) Early May Mid-May Early June Avg Three-year avg. only data missing for Early May.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Yield Increases from Genetics 1975 Pioneer 3369A 144 Bu/A 1995 Pioneer Bu/A Yield Increase 42 Bu/A Per Year 2.1 Bu/A Kentucky: 2.1 Bu/A/year. x 1.2 million acres = 2.52 million Bu/year 2.52 million Bu/year x $2.75/Bu = $6.93 million/year 1000 acres x 2.1 Bu/year x $2.75/Bu = $5775/Year Data from Dan Brann, VPI

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Effect of Row Width and Plant Population on Corn Yields (8 location average) Yield (bu/A) Row Width 20 inch 170 ab* 30 inch 175 a 36 inch 169 b Plant Population 20, a 26, b 30, c *0.10 level for row width, 0.05 level for population.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Row Width Effect on Corn Grain Yield (Non-Irrigated) Yield (bu/A) 30 inch 36 inch Difference Average

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Row Width Effect on Corn Grain Yield (Irrigated) Yield (bu/A) 30 inch 36 inch Difference Average

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Row Width Effect on Corn Yields (Hardin County, Kentucky) Row Width Corn Yield (Bu/A) (inches)No-TillConventional

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Hybrid, Row Width and Plant Population Summary Across Years Hybrid Yield (bu/A) Row Width Yield (bu/A) Pioneer 33Y a 20 inch a So. States SS b 30 inch a Plant Population Yield (bu/A) 24, a 28, a 32, a

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Uneven Corn Stands Cost Money Good stands = 2 inch deviation Example: 26,000 seeds on 30 inch row 26,000 seeds on 30 inch row Equals 1 plant every 8 inches Equals 1 plant every 8 inches Good stand is 6 to 10 inches apart Good stand is 6 to 10 inches apart 2.5 bushel lost for every 1 inch increase in deviation 3 inch deviation = 2.5 bushel loss 3 inch deviation = 2.5 bushel loss 5-inch deviation = 7.5 bushel loss 5-inch deviation = 7.5 bushel loss

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Effect of Emergence Delays on Corn Yield Uneven emergence of: 10 days = 6 – 9 % loss 10 days = 6 – 9 % loss 21 days = 10 – 22% loss 21 days = 10 – 22% loss 7 days = 5.5% loss 7 days = 5.5% loss 14 days = 13.2% loss 14 days = 13.2% loss Primary Causes: 1. Soil Moisture 1. Soil Moisture 2. Poor soil-to-seed contact 2. Poor soil-to-seed contact (Wisconsin and Illinois research) (Minnesota research)

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Rate and Time of Nitrogen on Corn Yield (bu/A) N Rate Timing Soil Drainage (lb/A)PoorlyModeratelyWell At Planting Top Dress At Planting Top Dress Corn was seeded no-till into sod.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension 1992 Corn Nitrogen Studies NCounties (lbs/A)BooneHarrisonNelsonPowellShelbyBell (Bu/A) AP TD AP TD AP TD AP = AT PLANTING; TP = TOP DRESSED

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension 1992 Corn Nitrogen Studies NCounties (lbs/A)BooneHarrisonNelsonPowellShelbyBell (Bu/A) AP TD AP TD AP TD AP = AT PLANTING; TP = TOP DRESSED YELLOW FONT = MOST EFFICIENT N RATE

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE 200 BUSHEL CORN Summary of 1981 to 1989 Kentucky Corn Champions 1. Average yield: 217 Bu/A (200 to 240) 2. Corn Hybrids: A: 119 days to maturity (118 to 126) B: Genetic potential proven B: Genetic potential proven 3. Planting Date: May 2 (April 17 to May 18) 4. Row width: 30 or 36 inches 5. Harvest Population: 23,500 (22 to 25,000) uniform stand (More on next slide.)

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE 200 BUSHEL CORN Summary of 1981 to 1989 Kentucky Corn Champions 6. Fertility: High fertility soil (High or Very High Tests) N: 195 lb/A (6 of the winners below 200) N: 195 lb/A (6 of the winners below 200) 7. Tillage: 5 of 8 winners were no-till 8. Rotation: Soybeans (5), Corn (2), Sod (1) 9. Soil Type: Loams that are moderately to well drained. 10. Rainfall: Need 15 to 20 inches uniformly distributed. (Continued)

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension More on Wheat

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension SMALL GRAINS BARLEY Earliest maturing Best for double-crop soybeans Excellent feed grain WHEAT Most versatile Withstands wetter soils Excellent fee grain RYE Best for grazing Earliest for silage Excellent mulch for no-till OATS Spring and winter Latest maturing Excellent for companion crop Only spring small grain in Kentucky TRITICALE Between rye and wheat High yielding silage

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Seeding Rate Guide per Unit Area (ft 2 ) Based on Row Width and Row Length Example: A.Target seeding rate = 35 seeds/ft 2 B.Drill Row Width = 7 inches C.For seeding rate of 35 seeds/ft 2, you need to calibrate a drill with a 7 inch row width to deliver 35 seeds in a 21 inch length of row (or 20 seeds per foot of row).

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Seeding Rate Determinations Needed for Drill Calibration 1)Decide on seeding rate desired per ft 2 Optimum rates are seeds/ft 2 Optimum rates are seeds/ft 2 2)Know row width of drill 3)Determine linear length of row that is equivalent to 1 ft 2 (144 in 2 ) for row width being used. Obtain from a tableObtain from a table Calculate:Calculate: 144 in 2 / Row Width (inches) = Row Length Equivalent for 1 ft in 2 / Row Width (inches) = Row Length Equivalent for 1 ft 2 4)Calibrate drill to deliver desired seeding rate (# of seeds) in row length equivalent to 1 ft 2.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Adjusting Seeding Rate for Germination A.Adjust wheat seeding rates for germination, particularly if below 90%. B.Calculate germination adjustments by dividing the desired seeding rate (seeds/ft2) or (lbs/A) by the percent germination. = ADJUSTED SEEDING RATE Seeding rate desired (# of seeds or volume) % germination

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Determining seeding rate in pounds/acre Seeds per pound Seeds/ square foot , , , , ,

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Determining seeding rate in seeds/row foot at 35 seeds/ft 2* ROW WIDTH PLANTING TIME InchesTimely 2 Wks Late 1 Mo. Late * SQUARE FOOT OF ROW = 144 IN 2 / ROW WIDTH = LINEAR INCHES OF ROW.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Making a Wheat Stand Check 1)Make counts on a square foot basis, or 2) Equate linear foot of row needed to equal 1 ft 2 1) 1 ft 2 = 144 inches 2 2) Divide 144 by drill row width (inches) 3) This gives linear inches of row needed 3)Example: for 7 inch rows 1) 144 / 7 = 20.5 inches of row = 1 ft 2 4)Make stand counts at several spots in the field.

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Adjusting Seeding Rate for Germination A.Target seeding rate = 35 seeds/ft 2 B.In 7-inch rows (from Table) = 20 seeds / foot of row C.At 30 ft calibration distance (20 seeds/ft x 30 ft) = 600 seeds needed D.At 35 seeds/ft ,714 seeds/lb = 130 lbs/acre (continued) Example: using Pioneer 2555 with 11,714 seeds/lb and germination = 85%

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Adjusting Seeding Rate for Germination (continued) Example: using Pioneer 2555 with 11,714 seeds/lb and germination = 85% 35 seeds/ft = 41.2 seeds/ft 2 20 seeds/ft 0.85 = 23.5 seeds/ft 600 seeds/ (30 ft distance) 0.85 = seeds 130 lbs/A 0.85 = lbs/A Calculations adjusted for 85% germination. A drill set to any one of these calculations will deliver 35 live seeds per ft 2 based on a germination of 85%

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Wheat Row Width Study Princeton, KY Row Width Yield(Bu/A)Yield(Bu/A) Yield Gain or Loss Broadcast % 4.75 inches % 7.0 inches inches % 12.0 inches = average of 3 varieties; 1984 = Tyler Seed rate = 1 ½ Bu/A (except 1984 broadcast = 2 Bu/A)

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Narrow Row Wheat Spacing Summary StateYear Row Width Comparison Yield Gain (inches)(%) Kentucky vs.78 Indiana vs vs.7.55 Illinois19844vs.83 Virginia19824vs vs vs.811 Maryland19844vs.88 Pennsylvania19815vs vs.78

University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Certified Seed Tag Determining Pure Live Seed Pure Live Seed (PLS) % Pure Live Seed x % Germination = PLS % Pure Live Seed x % Germination = PLSExample: 90% Pure Seed x 90% Germination = 81% PLS 90% Pure Seed x 90% Germination = 81% PLS