Row Spacing Effect On Irrigated Corn Production.

Over the past decade there has been a dramatic shift in Mississippi row crop production from cotton to corn and soybeans. Evaluating row spacing specific for corn production could potentially increase grain crop productivity and profitability. A 3-year study was established in 2010 to (1) determine whether corn grown in single 76-cm rows produces higher yields than corn grown in conventional wide rows (96 to 102 cm) or twin rows (20 to 25 cm apart on a single bed) for four contrasting hybrids, and (2) evaluate how all combinations of row spacing and hybrids influences photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leaf area index (LAI), stalk diameter, grain test weight, and grain nutrient uptake. Research is being conducted on 2 furrow irrigated cornfields, and measurements will be collected at multiple corn growth stages. Results from this study will help evaluate row spacing effects on crop development and yield for corn production in Mississippi. Averaged across both locations, preliminary 2010 results showed significantly higher yield for 76-cm rows (12.54 Mg ha^-1) compared to wide rows (11.54 Mg ha^-1) and wide twin rows (11.04 Mg ha^-1). Additional 2011 results will be presented at the international annual meetings.