Refining Yield Potential Algorithms in Maize (Zea mays L.) Based On Plant Height, Competition, NDVI, and Stalk Diameter.

Current methodologies for determining midseason nitrogen (N) rates in maize have used NDVI, and in some cases, plant height and intra-specific plant competition.    Another parameter that can be linked to potential yield is stalk diameter; thus incorporating collectively the parameters of NDVI, plant height, plant competition, and stalk diameter should result in a better prediction of yield potential.  This study was investigated at the R.L. Westerman Irrigation Research Facility near Stillwater, Oklahoma on a Pulaski fine sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, nonacid, thermic Udic Ustifluvents), at the Eastern Research Station near Haskell, Oklahoma on a Taloka silt loam (fine, mixed, active, thermic Mollic Albaqualfs), and at Hennessey, Oklahoma on a Bethany silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic Pachic Paleustolls).