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Corn Production in Arkansas
Response to the Challenges of 2006
In 2005 we harvested an average of 131 bushels/acre from 230,000 acres. The
five year state average yield was 138 bushels/acre. Yields were reduced by drought
conditions and dryland corn which accounts for nearly 20% of our acreage was
particularly hard hit. Yields from dryland fields were often in the 50 to 80
bushels/acre range, with some fields as low as 30 to 40 bushels/acre or not
harvested.
Management Practices to Maximize Profit
- Plant early - March if conditions permit. Yields in some fields this year
decreased 50 bushels/acre based solely on a later planting date
- Proper Plant Population - Irrigated population should be 28-32k. Populations
below 28,000 will likely not maximize yields, while populations above 32,000
will needlessly increase seed costs. For each 1,000 plants above recommended
populations results in an increase of approximately $1.75/acre in seed cost
- Use Seed Insecticide instead of in-furrow insecticides - nearly as effective
for about half the cost as an in-furrow insecticide
- Proper Fertility Levels - Maximum yields cannot be obtained without proper
fertility levels. Obtain current soil tests to apply correct levels
- Reduce Tillage - No-till on previous crop beds where feasible
- Timely Inputs - Timely Weed control, fertilizer applications, and irrigation
is essential
- Irrigation Management - Begin and Terminate Irrigation at proper times,
don’t start too late or stop too early
- Proper Hybrid Selection - Adapted, high yielding hybrids with good stalk
quality
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