Row Spacing Effects on Yield and Hybrid Growth for Mississippi Irrigated Corn Production.

Over the last decade, Mississippi has experienced a shift in row crop production from predominantly cotton to corn and soybeans.  For this purpose an evaluation of corn row spacing, 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 with the collection of measurements 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, 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 ASA Southern Branch 2012 Annual Meetings.