(ContlniMd from Pago 1)
many other university trials.
On the other hand, some of
the best yielding hybrids in
our trials contain the Bt gene,
so you can’t generalize that
Bt hybrids are not cost effec
tive.
In my book, each hybrid
needs to be evaluated inde
pendently. The bottom line is
to look for hybrids with a
consistent track record and
then consider price. Gradu
ally introduce new hybrids
into your lineup and try to
get some variation in matu
rity as a hedge against
drought stress.
Tillage is an input that
probably gets overused. I
know many corn producers
are not satisfied with the per
formance of no-till corn.
With careful attention to
compaction, weed control,
and crop rotation, though,
yields of no-till corn can be
similar or better than tilled
corn, with less expense. If
you’re not convinced, then
try some no-till on selected
fields following sod or soy-
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NSYLVANIA MASTER
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tween The Rows
Dr. Greg Roth
State Agronomy Associate Professor
beans. Studies have shown
increased yields and success
of no-till under these condi
tions.
Nitrogen (N) is an input
that often gets targeted for
cutbacks because it is a large
out-of-pocket cost. Often,
though, on nonmanured
ground, we see large yield re
sponses to N. Cutting back to
100 pounds per acre where
you need 150 might result in
a 10-bushel yield loss. So you
save $7.50 on N and lose $25
per acre in yield. Shoot for
1.1 pounds of N per bushel of
your yield goal and then
adjust for your manure and
previous crop credits. Cut
back on those fields where its
justified.
P and K inputs could be
cut back in some cases-if you
have a soil test. Generally
soils in the optimum to high
range for P and K have a low
likelihood of showing a yield
response. We are mostly fer
tilizing these to maintain soil
test levels. In our trials, it is
often difficult to show yield
responses under these condi
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tions, unlike the situation we
see with N or hybrid treat
ments where we often see
large differences. Corn still
can respond to starter fertiliz
ers at high soil test levels,
however. Starters are proba
bly not justified when soils
reach the excessive level for P
(350 pound P 205 per acre)
unless you’re planting very
early under cool soil condi
tions.
Weed control is another
area where cutbacks can be
made but this is risky and re
quires good management.
Weed control failures result
in lower yields. We know that
where you have had excellent
weed control for several
years, the soil weed seedbank
may be reduced and you may
be able to get by with lower
rates or lower cost programs.
Some of our large growers
use this type of strategy-but
it requires good management.
Part of the trick of getting by
with lower cost weed control
programs is to work hard to
use rotations, tillage, or sani
tation (keeping problem
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GREGG CARBAUGH • 814-766-3696
Corn Talk, Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 4, 2000—Page
weeds from spreading) to
keep weed populations down.
This strategy is most effective
if you have the ability to fol
lowup, if necessary, with a
low-cost, postemergent pro
gram or cultivation. If weeds
took over after last year’s
drought-stiirited corn, then
your weed seedbank has
probably just got a new re
plenishment and you may not
be a great candidate for weed
control cutbacks.
Insecticide inputs are an
other one to consider. Some
growers continue to use corn
rootworm row insecticides on
all their acres. We just don’t
see a benefit on corn follow
ing soybeans or sod and I’ve
been on lots of good farms
where they don’t see a need,
either. We have not seen the
corn rootworm problem yet
in rotated crops like they
have in the Midwest. So if
you’re in this category, this is
another potential cutback.
Given the rootworm popula
tions in some corn fields last
year, I’d be hesitant about
following corn this year with
out some rootworm control.
For folks who spent a few
Planting Refuges, Preserving Technology
Attention
Organic Farmers:
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anic seed and conventional
Or
non-GMO, untreated seed -- corn,
soybeans and alfalfa. See your NC+
dealer or call 1-800-279-7999. Visit
bucks an acre scouting last
year for rootworm beetles
and know their counts are
low, here’s a place to save $lO
to $l5 per acre.
There are also lots of low
cost management details you
want to be sure to include in
your program to get the most
out of this year’s crop. Make
sure that planter is tuned up
and ready to work properly,
monitor seed depth, plant
early, and check each field
for problems 2-3 weeks after
planting and then again at 4-
6 weeks.
Yes, there is potential to
cut back in some areas of
corn production, but it is not
easy. It requires some knowl
edge and some management
information. If you have soil
test and scouting data, you’ll
be ahead of the game. If you
need help making these deci
sions, seek out a professional
crop adviser who can help
you decide on the best combi
nation of inputs for your situ
ation. If you decide to cut
back in some way, by all
means, do it carefully and in
telligently.
our website at
www.ncorgamcs.com
<s>
America's
down to earth
seed company
151