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

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

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

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

5. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Date of Planting – Corn and Grain Silage 1976 - Lexington Date planted RelativeYieldRatio MaturityBu/A T/A @ 35% Ear:Forage April 20 Full18027.256:44 May 6 Full17725.859:41 May 21 Full16623.460:40 May 31 Full14419.960:40 June 10 Full11216.457:43 Early12818.160:40 June 29 Early6411.248:52 May 20 S7718.242:58

6. 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 18510939 277159811 376189212 473218913 Average77.75169311.25

7. 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.

8. 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 10-15 From ID-139: A Comprehensive Guide to Corn Management in Kentucky.

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

10. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Population Effect on Corn Yields (Hardin County, Kentucky, 1972-76) Population Corn Yield (Bu/A) Plants/ANo-TillConventional 14-18,000133114 20-23,000148119 26-28,000158128 Average146120

11. 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 20,000155139163152 28,000192132169134 36,000176130189133 DeKalb XL32AA A635 --- 20,000136121119119 28,000167136131129 36,000172130133130 Population resulting in highest yield varied across hybrids and water regimes.

12. 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 1994. Duvick D.N., and K.G. Cassman. 1999. Crop Science 39:1622-1630 4,000 plants/A 12,000 plants/A 32,000 plants/A

13. 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 - 30,000 From ID-139: A Comprehensive Guide to Corn Management in Kentucky.

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

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

16. 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

17. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension GDD for Corn GDD = MAX + MIN 2 - 50 O F MAXIMUM: no higher than 86 O F MINIMUM: no lower than 50 O F GDD = 70 + 52 2 - 50 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 = 86 + 67 2 - 50 O F = 26.5

18. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Relative Maturities (GDD) Early: 2400 - 2550 Medium: 2550 - 2650 Medium-Late: 2650 - 2750 Late:>2750

19. 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

20. 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: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/ For Agents Only: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/agents

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

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

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

24. 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 15-30 Wheat October 1 – 15 Rye September 15 + Triticale October 1 - 30

25. 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 2 436.01210 624.01815 720.62017 818.02320 1014.42925 SQUARE FOOT OF ROW = 144 IN 2 / ROW WIDTH = LINEAR INCHES OF ROW.

26. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Wheat Yield Potential Based on Plants Per Square Foot % Stand Plants/sq ft a % Yield Potential b 10030-35100 8024-28100 6018-2190-95 5015-1875-80 4012-1460-70 206-740-50 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/ For Agents Only: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/agents

30. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Grain Crops Website

31. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Basketball Starts... Nov. 25-27, 2002.

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

33. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension More on Corn

34. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Effect of Tillage and Planting Date on Corn Yield 4 year avg. (1979-1982) Planting Date ConventionalNo-TillAvg. Corn Yield (bu/A) Early May 1 121121121 Mid-May102124113 Early June 8610294 Avg.103116 1 Three-year avg. only. 1979 data missing for Early May.

35. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Corn Yield Increases from Genetics 1975 Pioneer 3369A 144 Bu/A 1995 Pioneer 3163 186 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

36. 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 20,000 164 a 26,000 171 b 30,000 178 c *0.10 level for row width, 0.05 level for population.

37. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Row Width Effect on Corn Grain Yield (Non-Irrigated) Yield (bu/A) 30 inch 36 inch Difference 1979154142+12 1980122120+2 1981152155-3 1982116130-14 Average136137-1

38. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Row Width Effect on Corn Grain Yield (Irrigated) Yield (bu/A) 30 inch 36 inch Difference 1979199176+23 1980143141+2 1981163156+7 1982175177-2 Average170162+8

39. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Row Width Effect on Corn Yields (Hardin County, Kentucky) Row Width Corn Yield (Bu/A) (inches)No-TillConventional 1972-1974 19161137 38162133 1975-76 30109 38116

40. 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 33Y18 155.4 a 20 inch 148.4 a So. States SS828 143.9 b 30 inch 150.9 a Plant Population Yield (bu/A) 24,000 148.7 a 28,000 151.5 a 32,000 148.7 a

41. 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

42. 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)

43. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Rate and Time of Nitrogen on Corn Yield (bu/A) N Rate Timing Soil Drainage (lb/A)PoorlyModeratelyWell 0---6938155 75 At Planting 6275170 75 Top Dress 97163175 150 At Planting 94109176 150 Top Dress 121169170 Corn was seeded no-till into sod.

44. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension 1992 Corn Nitrogen Studies NCounties (lbs/A)BooneHarrisonNelsonPowellShelbyBell (Bu/A) 01731558286169129 75 AP 174173144162201208 75 TD 188180156155207171 150 AP 193176169186209215 150 TD 181179179183197193 50 + 75 196172165173209207 225 AP 195175184182203213 225 TD 185183169172191189 AP = AT PLANTING; TP = TOP DRESSED

45. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension 1992 Corn Nitrogen Studies NCounties (lbs/A)BooneHarrisonNelsonPowellShelbyBell (Bu/A) 01731558286169129 75 AP 174173144162201208 75 TD 188180156155207171 150 AP 193176169186209215 150 TD 181179179183197193 50 + 75 196172165173209207 225 AP 195175184182203213 225 TD 185183169172191189 AP = AT PLANTING; TP = TOP DRESSED YELLOW FONT = MOST EFFICIENT N RATE

46. 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.)

47. 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)

48. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension More on Wheat

49. 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

50. 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).

51. 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 30 -35 seeds/ft 2 Optimum rates are 30 -35 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 2 144 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.

52. 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

53. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Determining seeding rate in pounds/acre Seeds per pound Seeds/ square foot 253035 10,000109130152 11,00099119139 12,00091109127 13,00084100117 14,0007893109

54. 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 4121314 7202224 8222426 10293133 * SQUARE FOOT OF ROW = 144 IN 2 / ROW WIDTH = LINEAR INCHES OF ROW.

55. 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.

56. 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 2 + 11,714 seeds/lb = 130 lbs/acre (continued) Example: using Pioneer 2555 with 11,714 seeds/lb and germination = 85%

57. 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 2 0.85 = 41.2 seeds/ft 2 20 seeds/ft 0.85 = 23.5 seeds/ft 600 seeds/ (30 ft distance) 0.85 = 705.9 seeds 130 lbs/A 0.85 = 152.9 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%. 1 2 3 4

58. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Wheat Row Width Study Princeton, KY 19831984 Row Width Yield(Bu/A)Yield(Bu/A) Yield Gain or Loss Broadcast5187 + 3 % 4.75 inches --91 + 8 % 7.0 inches 58840 9.5 inches --77 - 8% 12.0 inches 54-- 1983 = average of 3 varieties; 1984 = Tyler Seed rate = 1 ½ Bu/A (except 1984 broadcast = 2 Bu/A)

59. University of Kentucky Grain Crops Extension Narrow Row Wheat Spacing Summary StateYear Row Width Comparison Yield Gain (inches)(%) Kentucky19844.75vs.78 Indiana19832.5vs.7.56 19842.5vs.7.55 Illinois19844vs.83 Virginia19824vs.814 19834vs.812 19844vs.811 Maryland19844vs.88 Pennsylvania19815vs.79 19825vs.78

60. 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