Best Management Practices for Optimum Outcomes in High-Population Corn

Stine agronomists have spent the last few months meeting with growers across the country at our annual Professional Farmer Series meetings. In those meetings, we’ve made it a point to discuss high-population corn — the benefits, challenges, best management practices and all other lingering questions about the innovation. Stine has always been at the forefront of high-population corn research and developing hybrids that thrive in higher populations and narrower rows. As our research evolves, so does our understanding of the best management practices that correlate with higher yields. Based on our multi-year research, we recommend growers follow these recommendations to make the most out of every acre of high-population corn they plant in 2020.

Start with the right hybrid. For a corn plant to thrive in higher populations, it needs the right genetics. Through Stine’s industry-leading corn breeding program, we’ve used our own line of genetically unique inbreds to custom build our high-population corn hybrids. These hybrids are shorter and narrower than traditional hybrids, with leaves that grow upright to catch more sunlight, which is essential for narrow-row configurations. For 2020, Stine has a number of corn hybrids with the high-population corn designation, ranging from an 85–87-day maturity to a 107–109-day maturity. We also have a number of conventional and Agrisure^®-traited corn options that work well in higher populations and narrow-row configurations.

Plant early when possible. Delayed planting results in taller plants and requires a hybrid suited for lower populations. The longer planting is delayed, the greater the need to decrease populations accordingly. Planting early allows growers the opportunity to plant hybrids that are ideally suited for higher populations and narrower rows. That said, we recommend growers monitor the temperature of their fields before they begin planting. Soil temperatures should consistently reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit for five days before planting. Planting into cooler soils could lead to uneven or delayed emergence. Growers should always consult the extended weather forecast before getting in the field.

Check soil drainage. Coming off a wet year in 2019 and what already looks to be a rough winter, growers considering high-population corn for 2020 need to keep a lookout for wet soil. Water-logged or poorly drained soils will be short of oxygen. When oxygen or water is the limiting factor in corn production, a lower population is needed.

Check for adequate nutrients. Phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and sulfur are vital to any plant, but they’re even more important when you’re boosting populations. Ensure your soil has the appropriate nutrients to support higher populations. Timing is also essential. Phosphorus and potassium should be applied pre-plant or in furrow at planting. Nitrogen and sulfur need to be applied during the growing season as a sidedress or over the top application.

Determine the appropriate planting range. With designated high-population hybrids, growers can increase their populations by as much as 10-20% depending on typical planting populations, soil types, row spacing, fertility and yield goals. Through our research, we’ve developed a plant population and row spacing chart to help growers determine the appropriate planting range. We’ve also developed hybrid-specific recommendations based on genetics, row spacing and soil types. Please consult with your local Stine agronomist for these recommendations. 

Harvest as early as possible. Harvesting early will help reduce loss due to lodging, cylinder loss, separation loss and header loss from being too dry.

For more tips on best management practices for high-population corn, consult with your Stine sales rep.