•  Spoon feed nitrogen using split applications to optimize crop response. We can improve nitrogen availability by using better application timing, and using appropriate application methods for different nitrogen sources. Our warm, high rainfall climate greatly increases potential nitrogen loss through denitrification and leaching, compared to drier and colder climates, particularly in heavier, clay soils.  Thus, we can improve seasonal availability by applying nitrogen fertilizer at specific times according to corn need. We suggest using a split application strategy where you apply a small portion of nitrogen just after plants emerge, followed by the bulk of the nitrogen fertilizer just before rapid growth stages, when the plants need it most. A pre-tassel application can also be incorporated as simply another split to further conserve nitrogen availability. This strategy reduces fertilizer exposure to saturated soils known to encourage nitrogen loss, leaving more available for the crop.

•  Address all fertility issues. Fertility is the foundation for plant health and the food needed to grow big yields — if you don’t supply high fertility, you are not in the game.  Crop response to numerous inputs will be restricted whenever any nutrient becomes limiting. Although nitrogen gets far more attention, we see a lot more corn production issues associated with inadequate phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc and magnesium in Mississippi. More frequent soil and perhaps plant tissue analyses are needed to address fertility needs in crop rotation systems. Neutral soil pH is also paramount, because it will restrict availability of many nutrients, if either acidic or alkaline.

•  Consider narrow-row spacing.  Improved genetics and better stress tolerance have allowed us to steadily increase plant populations and produce higher yields over the years. However, our traditional wide-row planting systems limit corn’s ability to efficiently utilize resources, particularly light, water and nutrients. Recent MSU research shows 30-inch rows improve yield potential 8-9%, compared to traditional wide-rows and twin-rows on raised beds. Narrow rows increase productivity by improving plant spacing geometry and should considerably improve crop response to higher plant populations.




•  Incorporate methods to improve furrow irrigation efficiency and timing. Doing so will increase corn yield and profitability.  For example, by applying PHAUCET to furrow irrigation sets, we can reduce water, fuel and irrigation set time at least 20% while maintaining yield potential.  This reduces fuel costs at least $10.00 per acre, or more for irregularly shaped fields.  Furthermore, using any method to assess soil moisture and crop water demand could substantially improve our ability to determine when to initiate irrigation and appropriate intervals between irrigation events. This may include using scientific irrigation scheduling tools such as the Mississippi Irrigation Scheduling Tool (MIST), Arkansas Irrigation Scheduling Tool, watermark soil moisture sensors and/or Evapotranspiration (ET) gauges.  This could help reduce irrigation use up to 40%, while maintaining or improving yield.

•  Make a serious commitment to improve soil health. Our warm, moist environment inherently limits native soil organic matter levels in our region, because it encourages rapid organic decomposition.  Recycling corn residue could enhance productivity by improving soil tilth (improving root development and reducing compaction), improving soil water holding capability and infiltration (reducing drought stress), improving nutrient availability, and reducing evaporation and soil erosion. Thus, burning corn residue will likely greatly diminish this potential. Since tillage speeds organic decomposition, minimizing tillage over the long-haul should help build soil condition.

• Written by Erick Larson, Extension Grain Specialist; Jason Bond, Research/Extension Weed Scientist; Angus Catchot, Extension Entomologist; Bobby Golden, Agronomist, Delta REC, Mississippi State University; Larry Oldham, Extension Soils Specialist; Tom Allen, Extension Plant Pathologist; and Jason Krutz, Associate Extension and Research Rrofessor at the Delta Research and Extension Center.


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