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

Title: Row spacing effects on hybrid growth and yield for Mississippi irrigated corn production

Authors: T.T. Poulsen, E.J. Larson, M.S. Cox, M.W. Ebelhar, N.W. Buehring and D.F. Roberts

Abstract: 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, and grain test weight.  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, 2011 results showed significantly higher yield for 76-cm rows (9.95 Mg ha^-1) compared to wide twin rows (9.24 Mg ha^-1) and wide rows (8.98 Mg ha^-1). Additional 2012 results will be presented at the International Annual Meetings.