The wet and cold start to this year's corn planting season bodes poorly for yields, based on research from the University of Missouri Extension.

But MU Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold says farmers should not switch from corn to other crops or early maturing corn varieties because of rain-delayed planting.

There still is time to get corn in the ground and expect good yields with other favorable conditions, Wiebold says.

Data on late planting

Yield potential declines when planting is delayed during the first three weeks of May, according to Wiebold's data. Researchers studied at least four hybrids in the five-year study.

Yields drop 5% by the first week of May and 20% by the end of the month. They nosedive 40% by the end of June.

Five-year averages show the decline in corn yield by planting date in Missouri. (Source: University of Missouri Extension)

Switching to an early maturing variety almost assures yield loss. "Those early varieties are shorter and have less yield potential,” Wiebold says. “An early variety might offer some advantage in reduced drying time at harvest, but that depends on the fall season.”

"We found that corn hybrids with CRM [comparative relative maturity] of 110 outyielded corn hybrids with CRM of 100 until the first week of June," he adds.

Wiebold says farmers should base decisions upon the unique conditions of their farms and fields.

"Our data provide some optimism that reasonably high yield can be obtained when corn is planted in mid- to late May," Wiebold says. "However, yield potential is very strongly dependent on weather conditions in summer. For this reason, it is difficult to predict in any specific year what will happen to corn yield if planting is delayed."

Look to the soil

Soil conditions, rather than the calendar, dictate when to plant. Planting date concerns may rush farmers to get in the fields when soils are too wet.

For long-term soil health, wait until fields dry, Wiebold says. Traffic from heavy farm equipment on wet soils leads to compaction that reduces root growth, which is especially critical during drought years.

"Once soil has begun to dry, patience is needed so that harm to developing corn roots is minimized,” Wiebold says.

Delayed planting also increases risk from drought damage during pollination. Normal Missouri weather is drier and hotter in late July and early August than early July. This weather can interfere with pollination.

Pay attention to planted corn

Wiebold says current wet and cool conditions put corn already in the ground at risk. Excess water and cool weather contribute to slow emergence, reduced stands and increased disease. Although rare, imbibitional chill injury occurs when cold water, taken in within 24 hours of planting, disrupts the organization of young cells during rehydration and can result in loss of seed vigor or even seed death.

According to the April 29 USDA Crop Progress Report, 45% of Missouri corn is in the ground with 7% emergence. Farmers planted only 2% of soybeans. Both crops are slightly behind last year's progress and the five-year average.

Source: The University of Missouri Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.