Planting Corn For Top Yields Is A Game Of Inches COLUMBUS, Ohio An extra inch between com plants can mean a lot in terms of yield loss, said agronomist Peter Tho rn ison, Ohio State University. With planting season just around the comer, a few hours in the machine shed can save the disappointment of lost yields at harvest, Thomison said. Now is the time to tune up planting equipment for a uniform seed placement in the furrow, he said. “Timely planter servicing and adjustment, as well as appropri ate management practices, can help prevent many stand unifor mity problems,” Thomison said. Thomison’s counterpart at Purdue University, Bob Nielsen, said many farmers may be losing five to eight bushels of grain per Walk-In • Catalog • Web Sales - www.farmerboyag.com Call or email us today for a FREE catalog. 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Spacing alone may not be the cause of yield loss, Thomison said. Other variables, such as less than-optimal population levels, appear to cut into yields. A Uni versity of Illinois study con cluded that skips reduce yield in fields where the intended popula tion is at or below the optimum, while doubles increase yield when populations are less than optimum. Therefore, spacing variability caused by doubles may actually be beneficial when seeding rates are suboptimal. “PERFORMANCE ™” SLANT-WALL BELT DRIVE FANS/CONE OPTIONAL LIFETIME-GUARANTEED FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE HOUSINGS/CONE OPTIONAL See Us For A FREE Design & Cost of a TUNNEL VENTILATION SYSTEM To Fit Your Building CRATE QUALITY PRODUCTS AT WHOLESALE PRICES RIMER BOY AG Supply! OLESALE AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES® 3BH <a«wia(»iwi»i WayPig^n 500 Animal Scale The entire unit serves as the , weighing area so f • t that an animal r|""" m prevent an jR; B accurate reading i Litter Scale provide a warm bed for baby pigs and help increase the number of pigs per litter. Sizes available: Singles: 12”x36” -12”x48” -12”x60” Doubles: 24”x36” - 24”x48” - 24”x60” Triangles: 27”x27”x40” r EXPERIENCED & . SALES STAFF J “Wvr nhtMUon ay'Htt r//sarf » Versatile dustproof, moisture proof fan/heater controls Airstream advanced controls with greater versatility. Whether you need to control fans, heaters or other equipment. 1-800-845-3374 lawimw sbittk! “One conclusion that can be drawn from the Illinois study is that population is the first varia ble that must be considered in planting time decision making,” Thomison said. Within-row gaps as large as six feet can cut yields by up to five percent, Thomison said. That’s a 7.35-bushel-per-acre re duction from a 147-bushel-per-acre com yield. On the other hand, test weights of two or more tightly-grouped plants can drop by as much as a quarter pound. Stands with varying plant heights are generally related to environmental conditions that delay plant emergence, and out of a farmer’s control. Height ir regularities often occur in conser vation tillage fields where soils a -Ch (IHiKH) are prone to extended cold and wet soil conditions. Proper planter adjustments and operation can help minimize uneven emergence, Thomison said. Even with uniform within-row plant spacing, emergence delays can lead to yield loss, Thomison said. Expect a five to eight per cent yield loss if half or more of the stand emerges two weeks late. A 20 percent loss can occur if emergence is delayed by three or more weeks. Thomison offers these tips for improving uniformity of seed placement at planting; • Avoid excessive tillage trips, especially on wet soils. • Check seed depth and seed soil contact often during plant ing. • Distribute resides evenly over rows. XXJbaUBr In Stock Now! • Increases Production Levels • Reduces Heat Stress • Reduces Fly Infestation • Improves Air Quality SCHAEFFER BARN STIR FANS - 24” & 36” AGRICULTURAL FANS Belt Drive Fans with energy-saver motor, galvanized housing 425 Ga1...400220. ...5199.00 550 Ga1...400240. ...5259.00 1000 Ga1...400040. ...5349.00 1500 Ga1...400410... .5449.00 2100 Ga1...401780... .5799.00 TRUCKLOADS ★Full Line Parts Dept* ★Sell, Service & Install* mtiwn Lancaster Farming, Saturday, May 5,2001-A27 36” & 48” Belt Drive 36” Direct Drive In Stock Now! Rotary Mowers Now In Stock 5 Ft. - $599 6 Ft. - $649 7 Ft. Heavy Duty $1,799 Approx. 5 mi. 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Closed in: • With plate-type planters, match the seed grade with cor rect planter plate. • Check for wear on the back plate and brush on finger pick ups. • Check tension with a feeler gauge and tighten correctly. • Check for wear on double disk openers and seed tubes. • Make sure sprocket settings are correct on the planter trans mission. • Check for worn chains, stiff chain links and tire pressures. • Lubricate all chains and grease fittings. • Make sure seed drop tubes are clean and clear. • Clean seed tube sensors on planters equipped with monitors. • Properly align coulters and disk openers. • With air planters, match the air pressure with the weight of seed being planted. fr.titvuiiii iniiniiJnijiH iM.miiin iiiiiHi Hiimiiiijiii iMiiiiitiiHiim iiiiiiMii mn MtllimilMlHllHHim i M jimlmiminiMiilmilii , iiiiiiiiinii.r";mu.'uiiiMi iiiiuimimii' mmiii.'MH nmiiii'imnii" iiiiiiiimnr iimcntiinnt.i lit.iiiiiKiiHi'ii’iHMiiimr.iii iiih'M.iiiiuiHiniinmii'Hiii mu iumini.: | iinn(iu | :;«itiimii Also Shutters & Thermostat Avail Many Shapes and Sizes Available Pickup Truck Tanks N STOCK NOW! 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