UNL CropWatch May 7, 2010: Evaluating Corn Stands

UNL CropWatch May 7, 2010: Evaluating Corn Stands

May 7, 2010

Table 1. Row length required to equal 1/1000 acre for various row widths.
Row width
(inches)
Row length (feet)
to equal 1/1000 acre
20
26.1
28
18.7
30
17.4
36
14.5
38
13.8
40
13.2

Now is a good time to evaluate corn stands. Getting a uniform stand at the right population is an important part of getting a good yield.

To determine the plant population, use Table 1. First, find your row width in the first column, then read across to the number in the second column. Count the plants in this row length for the row width that you have.

Do this several times at different locations in the field and calculate an average number of plants per row length. Since this is the average number of plants in 1/1,000 of an acre, multiply that average by 1,000 to get the population.

(This is excerpted from a May 22, 2009 article, Evaluating Corn Stands, which also addresses replanting concerns.)

Bob Klein
Extension Western Nebraska Crops Specialist, West Central REC, North Platte
Paul Jasa
Extension Engineer, Lincoln

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