Precision Planting of Corn to Manipulate Leaf Geometry.

Corn grain yields have increased significantly from 1930 to present. Genetic improvement, use of fertilizers, weed, pest and disease control, tillage practices, reduced row spacing and increased plant population have greatly contributed to this end. Precision planting of corn has the potential to control some of the parameters that influence final grain yield such as plant density, in-row plant spacing, planting depth and seed orientation.  By manipulating seed placement, controlled leaf geometry can result and thus facilitate planting higher populations with the potential for increasing grain yield and/or allow the maintenance of grain yields while reducing seed rates. Controlled leaf geometry where leaves for every plant are perpendicular to the row will likely have implications on plant-to-plant competition as well as, affect the amount and efficiency of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that is intercepted throughout the entirety of a growing season consequently influencing final grain yield. This technique would not only improve the plant’s ability to intercept more light but also offer a competitive advantage for the crop due to quicker canopy closure, more efficient soil shading, reduced inter and intraspecific competition.