Field Selection

Selection process

In the selection of the field you have to consider the field’s history and soil type (including fertility, organic matter, pH, texture, drainage, and nutrients). The field should have conditions that would not lead to stresses that limit photosynthesis, as high yield corn crops are those which are able to maintain high levels of photosynthesis throughout the entirety of the growing season.

History

The crops grown on a field in the past will greatly influence the productivity of the current crop. A field which has had a complex rotation, and not continuous corn should be chosen. A crop rotation has many benefits, and successful rotations are seen to produce high yields. The so-called rotation effect causes a higher corn yield in rotation systems when compared to continuous corn, especially if the previous crop was a legume, which will add N to the system and reduce the N requirement of the corn. Rotations can also break pest, disease, and weed cycles that decrease yield.

Soil

The soil of a field plays many important roles in determining the productivity of a crop. A sandy loam soil which warms up quickly in the spring will allow for prompt planting, giving the crop a competitive advantage. Sandy loam soils also have good water holding capacity and nutrient retention. These are important factors if water supply is at risk of becoming limiting, and to ensure N doesn’t leach out of the system.

Choosing a field with a thick A horizon and high organic matter content will also be advantageous when achieving high yields. High organic matter content soils have many advantages such as reduced bulk density, aggregate stability, enhanced soil fertility, and resistance to compaction and erosion. This will enable the plant to grow an extensive root system, important for accessing water and nutrients, again to ensure water does not become limiting/ed.

The base level of nutrients in the soil is also a determining factor when choosing a field. High yielding corn requires high levels of nutrients, and these cannot all be added synthetically without the risk of damaging the crop. Choosing a field that has a good base level of some required nutrients will help to ensure maximum productivity of the crop.

Management Practices

Prior to planting, producers must carefully map customized management plans. Hybrid selection is one of the first steps in this planning process. Choosing the right hybrid involves matching field site characteristics with appropriate maturity, drought tolerance, standability, pest resistance, drydown, grain quality and harvestability ratings (Jeschke, 2013). Once the field site and specific hybrid have been selected, subsequent management practice decisions can be made.

In the spring, management practices will need to be implemented i n a timely manner. Tillage systems must be used to loosen the soil in order to promote seedbed warming, drying, and uniformity prior to planting (Bagg et al., 2009). To determine soil fertility requirements, assessment of soil phosphorus, potassium, micronutrient, and pH levels, soil sampling should be conducted. Producers should consider sulfur and zinc application, and mustprovide nutrient levels that will prevent any nutrient deficiencies (Bagg et al., 2009). Given nitrogen’s (N) effect on corn crops, N application amounts should synchronized with plant N uptake patterns through split N application. Growers can broadcast fertilizer before planting or seed place fertilizer, and follow up with N side