|
|
Seven major factors affect corn yieldBy Jennifer Bremer
Many factors can affect corn yields, but University of Illinois plant pathology Professor Fred Below has the list narrowed down. "It's the seven wonders of the corn yield world, but there are prerequisites to assist the wonders," he said. Weed and pest control are important in order to maximize yields. Below said the first thing that needs to be done is to take a soil test in order to know what the soil potential is and what needs to be added in preparation for the crop. Weather is the first of the wonders. While farmers have the least control over weather, it has the most impact on the yield of the crop. Drought, rain, temperature and frost all have a major impact on the ending crop yield. Next is nitrogen. This is affected by the previous crop as well as weather and moisture. "All of these wonders interact with each other," he said. Hybrids affect yields as well. With continual technological advancements, the seed will continue to have a large influence on yields, according to Below. "The previous crop can have a major impact. There can be a 25 bushel per acre penalty for corn on corn," he added. Plant population can cause an increase or decrease in yield, especially when the population is too low. Tillage is the next wonder in corn yields. Below said timing is very important with tillage, as is the degree of tillage used. The final wonder is chemicals. "If there are no weed or pest problems in the corn, plant productivity can be enhanced, thus raising the yields," he said. Below said the seven wonders are very important, but the plant's production of ethylene regulates plant growth. "Plants make ethylene and release it, which affects fruit ripening, leaf activity and kernel abortion," he said. "The more ethylene produced the more stressed a plant is, thus affecting yields. "Giving a plant a good environment can manage ethylene production and increase yields." Too little ethylene production can have a negative effect on the plant also. Below stressed that plants need to produce an optimum level of the chemical to have optimum growth regulators. "With too little, ethylene plants won't grow properly, either," he added. All plants take energy from the sun's light and convert it to energy for the plant to grow and survive. Researchers are studying the relationship between light intensity and heat stress on plants. "A few years down the road, we may understand the impact and relationship of light and heat stress on yields," he said. Below said by managing the seven yield wonders and the interactions between them, farmers will be able to get the most out of their corn plants and maximize their yields. "There continue to be new technologies to improve yield and help optimize ethylene production to make the plants grow at the right levels," he concluded. Jennifer Bremer can be reached by phone at 515-833-2120 or by e-mail at jbremermaj@hotmail.com. 10/27/08 Date: 10/22/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
