Short Stature Corn Shows Strong Response to Narrow Rows

By Andi Anderson

Short stature corn hybrids are gaining attention among farmers for their improved standability and lower lodging risk. These hybrids are usually less than seven feet tall but still offer strong yield potential.

As this technology develops, many growers are asking whether short corn should be managed differently from traditional tall hybrids.

To answer this question, field studies were conducted by Wallas Mendes da Silva and Manni Singh, Michigan State University, across multiple growing seasons in two different environments. Researchers compared short and tall hybrids under varying row spacings of 30, 22, and 15 inches. They also tested four seeding rates ranging from 26,000 to 50,000 seeds per acre.

Results showed that short stature corn responded positively to narrower rows in several environments. In some trials, 15-inch rows produced up to seven percent higher yields than the standard 30-inch spacing.

However, the benefit depended on environmental conditions. In high yielding fields with good moisture, narrow rows showed moderate gains, while in drier conditions, the response varied. Importantly, tall hybrids did not show yield improvement when planted in narrower rows.

Seeding rate also influenced short corn performance. Increasing plant population from 26,000 to 34,000 seeds per acre improved yield by four to eight percent in several trials. In strong growing conditions, yields continued to increase up to 42,000 seeds per acre without significant decline.

However, pushing plant populations too high may not always increase profit due to higher seed costs. In contrast, tall hybrids showed little or no yield benefit beyond 34,000 seeds per acre.

Weather and soil type played a major role in yield response. Fields with more rainfall and heavier soils supported higher plant populations better than sandy, drought prone soils.

Overall, short stature corn appears to benefit from narrower rows and moderately higher seeding rates compared to tall hybrids. However, management decisions should consider local environment, soil type, and economic returns to achieve the best results.

Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo