Evaluating the Effects of Variable Corn Seedling Emergence and Replanting Methods for Substandard Corn Stands

Mississippi growers often have issues with corn seedling establishment due to saturated and cool soils, which can reduce productivity. Our first objective was to quantify yield reduction associated with variable emergence. Four patterns simulating various extent of affected plants and four different emergence delays were hand planted uniformly at a standard population. Plants were closely monitored to document emergence variability. Growth stages were measured three separate ways to identify the best field method to characterize stand variability. Data suggest there were yield disadvantages associated with emergence variability. Another objective was to evaluate practical replanting methods for Mid-South corn growers. Treatments included four populations planted at a normal time and replant interval. Two different series of treatments were imposed to evaluate the productivity of intra-planting seed in a partial stand. Corn grain yield was 11% greater when replanting in a clean seedbed, compared to all intra-planted treatments