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Oakes Corn Yields Maximized by Early Planting
Corn planting dates have been studied at the Oakes Irrigation Field Trials for the past ten years. Every year, except 1981, when corn hybrids yielded two bu/acre less when planted on May 2 compared to May 15, yields were maximized on the earliest planting date. Corn was planted as early as April 26 with no detrimental effect on yield. In fact, the highest yields were recorded on the late April planting dates in seasons corn could be planted that early.
Yield losses were not significant until planting was delayed past May 7. Yields were reduced 0.5 bu/acre per day when planting was delayed into the second week of May, 1.4 bu/acre per day when planting was delayed into the third week of May and 2.8 bu/acre per day when planting was delayed into the fourth week of May. Yields were reduced 2%, 7% and 18% if planting was delayed one, two or three weeks after May 7. In addition to yield loss, delayed planting dramatically increases drying cost.
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