What is the best seeding rate for corn based on seed prices and yield level?
Corn yield trends continue to increase in Iowa and across the country. In Iowa, yield is increasing at about 2 bushels per acre per year since the early 1970s. Research conducted at Iowa State University by Don Duvick, adjunct professor of agronomy, focused on comparing “era hybrids” to modern-day hybrids. Analysis of these hybrids has shown that approximately half of the annual yield increase is due to plant breeding efforts and the other half is due to improved crop management practices. So, why are we discussing seeding rates in relation to plant breeding efforts and crop management practices? It is because breeders have focused largely on increasing stress tolerance of individual corn plants, specifically by increasing their ability to withstand increased plant densities. A significant portion of the observed yield increase per year is directly correlated with increased plant populations. Years ago, corn was planted with the check or hill-drop system that used seeding rates around
