Page 14—Corn Talk, Lancaster Farminj Optimum Plant Population For Corn In Cecil County In the wake of several droughts, the most recent occurring in 1993, there has been considerable research into identifying com populations that will produce the most pro fitable yields. Research conducted on san dy soils in Wicomico County suggests that in most years 20,000 plants per acre may be adequate for normal yields. Here in Cecil County which has predominantly silt loam soils, the optimum plant popu lation may be somewhat high er. The trend in recent years by local farmers is to increase populations in an attempt to increase yields. Is this trend agronomically and economi cally justifiable and which i IT’S TIME TO GO - (GBI) | ■ —^ dsj) COMPLETE LINE OF TOP-QUALITY GRAIN DRYERS • ’ACTURING TECHNIQUES I, Saturda; Februai populations give maximum economic yields? The field chosen had Mata peake silt loam soil types. Four target seeding rates of 20,000, 24,000, 28,000, and 32,000 were selected to cover the range of com populations that have been planted in Cecil County. Pioneer 3163 com was planted on May 8,1995 with a Case IH Cyclo Air com plant er. Plots consisted of six 30-inch rows and were 1,500 feet long by IS feet wide. Treatments were replicated :wice. The farmer’s standard :ultural practices were followed. Actual plant populations were counted on June 14. Analysis of variance for popu ation showed treatment means o be significantly different at he 0.05 probability level with TORY-TRAINED DEALERS 'ONENTS PORT „ SONBS @ GRAIN ® SYSTEMS m> Muncy, PA (jug) 717-884-2282 egg) Fu 717-M4-BSSO (gsi) 10, 1996 in LSD 0f2430 plants per acre. wei ghts were measured with a Plots were harvested on Scp- wa B on converted to ember 29,1995 with an Inter- bu/A at 15 5% moisture, national 1460 combine. Plot Table 1. Treatment means for plant population and corn yield. Treatment Actual Population (plt/A) Yield (bu/A) Seed Cost (|/A)* 20.000 21,222 137.2 23.87 24.000 23.44 S 138.6 26.38 28.000 27.667 139.3 31.13 32.000 31,778 133.5 35.75 LSD (0.05) 2430 N.S. Coefficient of Variation 2.91% 5.31% ♦Seed cost calculated using cost of $90.00 per 80,000 seed unit and assuming 100% germination and emergence. Actual seed cost will vary depending on price of seed and germination and emergence. (tiMHOULMD WE’RE YOUR FORAGE HARVESTER SPECIALISTS • We stock and sell the most harvesting equipment and parts in the East! • All backed by experienced and fully equipped service departments with on-the-road service. • Hundreds of harvesters in the fields with high customer satisfaction • From metal detectors, to hyd. transmission to gear boxes, etc. NEW HOLLAND FX2S & FX2S 320 HP. P 45 45 HP. SEVERAL USED S.P. AVAIL. ■ Wide Conditioning Rolls & Bigger Tires • New Cab • More Horsepower • Hyd. Drive Header • Push Button Header Controls • Gauge Wheels On Head • IT, 14’, 16’ Heads ** MESSICK FARM JiIL EQUIPMENT, INC.„ FOAD MCW HOLLAND ♦annus MJK mW§ Messick Farm Equipment Your New Holland Headquarters GROOVED ROLLS CRACI KERNALS A COBS NH 1900 4x4 - Excellent Condi NH 2450 SELP-PROPBLLBD HAYBINE All New From Th( Ground Up For ’9i Rheems Exit Rt. 283 Elizabethtown, Pa. ♦rereffii 717-367-1319. 717-653-8866 320 HP 09V‘ CROP NH 2450. SELF PROPELLED HATBINE Yields were analyzed by anaylsis of variance. No statis tical differences were found at the 0.05 probability level. The trend observed shows yields rising slightly from the 21,222 plant population level, peaking at the 27,667 level, and falling shaiply at the 31,778 plant population level. At com grain prices of $3.50 per bushel, a fanner would only be econom ically justified in increasing plant populations from 21.222 to 23,445 plants per acre. (Turn to Pag* 15) . FORD NEW HOLLAND ♦annus 450 HI &