Corn Product Response to Seeding Rate in the Midsouth

TRIAL OBJECTIVE

• One of the most important decisions when planting corn is determining the ideal seeding rate. To help with making this management decision, the Scott Learning Center annually evaluates a selection of DEKALB^® corn products planted at different seeding rates.
• Several primary questions are asked, including:
  • Does planting more seed result in higher yields?
  • Does a higher seeding rate decrease standability or increase lodging?
  • Does an increased seeding rate provide a return on the increased seed cost?

RESEARCH SITE DETAILS

Table 1. DEKALB^® brand corn products evaluated at different seeding rates.

• Four seeding rates (seeds/acre) were tested in this demonstration:
  • 28,000
  • 32,000
  • 36,000
  • 40,000
• This demonstration was designed as a non-replicated strip plot.
• Plots were 6 rows wide and roughly 0.15 acres per plot.
• All field work, tillage, and herbicides were applied per local standards.
• Yield data were collected using commercial harvest equipment and yields were corrected to 15.5% moisture content.
• Potential return on investment (ROI) calculations were calculated with the following parameters:
  • Grain price of $4.00/bushel, which was the price on 8/22/24.
  • Seed cost was $425.00/80,000 seed bag or $5.31/1,000 seeds planted.
• DKC110-41 and DKC113-83 were not tested at 28,000 kernels planted due to field space limitations.

UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS

• Lodging was not observed at any seeding rate in this trial.
• Data indicate considerable ear flex for DEKALB^® brand corn products tested in this trial.

Table 2. The change in yield response and net return observed in this trial.

• In this trial, three of five tested corn products (two were not tested) had a more than $10.00/acre net return (accounting for seed/grain price) when planting 32,000 seeds/acre compared to 28,000 seeds/acre.
• One out of the eight corn products tested provided a greater than $10.00/acre net return when planting 36,000 seeds/acre compared to 32,000 seeds/acre.

KEY LEARNINGS

• Growers should study and understand the ideal seeding rates for new corn products in their operation. Planting at the ideal seeding rate for growing conditions can help in achieving the best outcome for corn yield and return on investment.
• Many newer DEKALB^® corn products have responded positively at the Scott Learning Center to seeding rates in the mid 30,000 seeds/acre range compared to a high 20,000 seeds/acre planting range.
• Please contact your local DEKALB^® brand representative for more information on product performance in your region.

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