In-Row Subsoil Tillage and Planting Depth Influence on Corn Plant Population and Yield on Sandy-Textured Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Soils

• Published in: Crop management Vol. 2008
• Main Authors: Thomason, Wade E, Phillips, Steve B, Alley, Mark M, Davis, Paul H, Lewis, Matthew A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Plant Management Network 2008
• ISSN: 1543-7833; 1543-7833

Early-planted corn (Zea mays L.) generally has greater yield potential than later plantings in the Mid-Atlantic. However, cool, wet conditions early in the early season can delay emergence when corn is planted no-till resulting in lower yield compared to conventional tillage. Since uniform, vigorous stands are required to maximize corn yield, this research was undertaken to determine if stand establishment and yields for corn in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain would benefit from in-row subsoil tillage when seeded at various depths. Experiments were conducted in 2004 and 2005 at two locations in Virginia. Main plots were no-till or in-row subsoiling using a no-till ripper with shanks 30 inches apart. Planting dates were two weeks earlier than normal, normal, or two weeks later than normal. On each date, corn was planted into soybean stubble at depths of 0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 inches. In-row subsoiling increased grain yield in only one instance. Deeper planting (2.5 inches) resulted in higher grain moisture at harvest. Grain yields were maximized and risk of stand loss minimized by planting at 1.5 inches early or at the normal time. Planting early at 2.5 inches resulted in lower grain yield in two site years and generally delayed emergence. No consistent benefit from in row subsoil tillage was noted on these sandy soils.