PlantingCornforGraininTennessee.pdfVIP

W077 Planting Corn for Grain in Tennessee Angela Thompson McClure Associate Professor, Plant Sciences Although seed genetics can dictate yield, a poorly planted seed never reaches its yield potential. Favorable weather plays an important role in stand quality, but pro- ducers can save money on replant costs by managing fac- tors that can be controlled, such as field selection and plant- ing time, seedbed preparation, seeding rate, planter settings and insect management. Selecting a Field Corn can be grown on a wide range of soil types, but it grows best when planted in a deep, well-drained, medium- to coarse-textured soil that supplies adequate moisture. Timely moisture and adequate drainage are probably the most important factors in producing good corn yields. Poorly drained areas should be improved where possible to increase yields in those locations. In Tennessee, the major- ity of cornfields are not irrigated; therefore, selecting fields with soils that promote good root development is critical to a good corn crop. Some examples are shown below. Preparing the Seedbed More than 80 percent of Tennessee field corn is grown in no-till systems. No-till land is usually firmer at plant- ing and harvest and allows corn to be planted on sloping Table 1. Types of land and yield potential ground that is normally subject to erosion. A good burn- for corn producti