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Maintaining a corn cropK-State Research and Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Kraig Roozeboom recommended producers keep the following factors in mind when establishing and maintaining a good corn stand: --Wait until soil temperatures at the 2-inch depth are consistently above 55 degrees at midday, especially if planting early in the recommended time frame. --Make sure the planter is properly maintained and adjusted to plant corn seed at the proper depth and with the proper amount of seed-soil contact. --Consider using seed treated with a broad-spectrum insecticide and fungicide to control early season pests. --Avoid placing starter fertilizer in direct contact with the seed. --Once corn emerges, scout fields early and often for early-season insects. --Preplant or planting-time herbicides should provide adequate control at critical periods, but don't wait too long if follow-up treatments are needed. --Be sure to look for soil crusting after a rain before planting and make planter adjustments. --Beware of late spring freezes. So long as the corn is not yet at the V6 (six-leaf collar) stage, a spring freeze rarely causes the death of the whole plant. After the V6 stage or later, however, a hard freeze can severely injure the stand and a replant may be necessary. For more information, contact a local Extension office, or visit www.oznet.ksu.edu.
Date: 2/14/08
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