Is it Time To Plant Corn?

There are two main stresses to be concerned with when deciding to plant corn into cold soils (below 50 degrees). Variable soil temperatures that can slow germination and emergence, and the threat of frost on newly emerged seedlings.

After the seed is planted it will absorb about 30% of its weight in water, soil temperature has very little affect on this process. The next process after the seed imbibes water is shoot and root growth, and these are very dependent on soil temperature of 50 degrees or warmer. In soils colder than 50 degrees, there is greater chance of seedling rot and poor emergence, especially if the cold conditions last more than a day or two. Cold soils at the time of planting, and right after planting are a very common cause of variable final stands. Cold soils after planting can also cause seedlings to be stunted and show distorted leaves like the ones in the picture below if they do manage to emerge at all.

Late frost after the corn emerges is not as serious of a threat as planting into cold soils. The late frost may kill or damage exposed above ground tissue, but the growing point of corn remains below the soil surface until the crop reaches the V6 or 6th leaf stage. As long as the seed is planted at the proper depth and the seed furrow is closed properly, the recovery time from a moderate frost is fairly fast and has almost no affect on final yield. In extreme cases there may be a slight reduction in stand from late season frost.

For more information on corn planting and cold conditions click here or contact your local Trelay DSM.