As planting season for corn is around the corner, producers need to determine their corn seeding rates. The plant density necessary to optimize yields (optimal plant density, or OPD) depends on the expected available resources, mainly water and nutrients. 

Plant density needs to be determined seasonally, depending on the expected growing conditions. In rainy years, a producer may increase the target plant density and obtain an increase in profit provided there is sufficient nitrogen fertilization. Under dry conditions, farmers should consider cutting back on plant density. This applies primarily to dryland corn production.

The upcoming season is expected to be drier and hotter than normal in much of the Corn Belt region, thus yield expectations should be adjusted accordingly. Depending on the combination of current environmental conditions (soil and climate) and forecast, the economic optimum plant density will have to differ from the one used in an average or good growing season.

Based on the weather forecasts released in March, there is a clear signal indicating the need to consider using lower-than-normal plant densities for dryland corn in many areas of Kansas this spring. That is due to the combination of predicted below normal rainfall and high temperatures. Many sections of the state show a potential need to reduce optimal plant density (OPD) for corn (at least 2,000 plants/acre) to adjust for the current and expected weather conditions.

To view the charts and information related to the forecasted optimum plant density (OPD) for the 2022 summer season, relative to the 2018 optimum for corn (wet Year) across the region and in Kansas go to https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/  

You will see colors represent whether the recommended change is to increase (green) or decrease (orange) the target plant density (OPD) from what would be used in a wet year. Upper panel shows the potential changes for the Corn Belt region, and lower panel refers to the changes in plant density for Kansas.

In summary, 2022 is predicted to be a challenging season in much of Kansas, thus farmers should consider reducing their seeding rates for dryland corn. The utilization of probabilistic and dynamic models such as the one presented here, can help producers make real-time decisions to adjust inputs based on current soil moisture conditions and seasonal weather forecasts.

Information provided by Ignacio Ciampitti, Extension Farming & Cropping Systems specialist and Josefina Lacasa, PhD student. 

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Cottonwood Extension District. Email him at scampbel@ksu.edu or call the Hays office, 785-628-9430.