Row spacing - corn | Integrated Crop Management (2024)

FAQs

What is the best row spacing for corn? ›

The most common row spacing for corn across the Corn Belt is 30-inches. This is compared to 36- and 38-inch row spacing dating back to the 1960s. Over the last decade, there has been increasing interest in 20-inch row spacing. This narrowing of row spacing improved light interception during pollination (VT/R1 stage).

Optimization of Sunlight: 30-inch rows allow each corn plant to have more equal access to sunlight, which is vital for photosynthesis and, therefore, the healthy development of the crop. Efficient Water Use: This spacing also optimizes water use as it allows for uniform irrigation and minimizes wastage.

Dent, Flint & Flour Corn (Grain corn for cornmeal, polenta, grits & roasting) How to Grow: Plant these grain (field) when the soil is at least 55 degrees, or when dogwood leaves are the size of squirrel's ears. Space plants at 12-24," depending on variety height, in 36" rows.

Corn is part of the epitome of companion planting, the Three Sisters, where corn, beans, and squash are planted together for mutual benefit. The method originated in North America and has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. In addition to beans and squash, there are other good companion plants for corn.

It also makes no sense to plant just one or two rows of corn. To ensure proper pollination: plant your corn in blocks consisting of at least four or five short rows planted side by side, rather than a few long rows; and. provide 18 inches or so between rows.

If you plant them too close, you will end up with starchy, very un-sweet corn. To keep your corn separate and sweet as advertised, you must have at least 50 feet between blocks of corn.

Rows should be spaced 2½ - 3 feet apart. Plants should be spaced 8-10 inches apart between plants. For early plantings, seeds should be no deeper than 1 inch. For later plantings, plant seeds 1-2 inches deep to ensure adequate moisture contact.

Corn row spacing and plant population have been the focus of many studies throughout the years in an effort to identify ways to increase yields and minimize production costs. Many studies have shown that there was a yield increase going from a 40-inch row spacing to a 30-inch row spacing.

Corn is wind-pollinated. Plant in blocks of at least three to four short rows, rather than one or two long rows, to ensure good pollination and full kernel development. Most of the various types of corn cross-pollinate readily.

Corn needs a big garden

It must be planted in blocks or squares of three or more rows. Do not plant in one or two rows because the ears will not be pollinated, meaning that there will be few kernels on each ear.

What is the most common corn row spacing? ›

Current row widths employed by producers typically vary from 15" to 38", with most producers at 30" today. Yet more and more acres are planted to narrower row widths. In general, this means 15" or 20" row widths.

Where terrain permits, corn rows can be planted in either a north-south or an east-west direction. Sunlight penetrates more deeply into the plant canopy with north-south than with east-west rows.

The most common seeding depths recommended for corn range between 1.5 and 2 inches deep, and these planting depths can work very well within most conditions, however, certain soil moisture conditions at planting may warrant further examination/change in seeding depth.

Space the kernels 9 to 12 inches apart in the row. Plant two or more rows of each variety side by side to ensure good pollination and ear development. Allow 30 to 36 inches between rows. Plan your garden arrangement and planting schedule to prevent cross-pollination between your sweet corn, field corn and popcorn.

Planting in blocks of three or more rows rather than in a single long row. This improves pollination and ear production. Plant corn seeds 1 inch deep. Seeds should be spaced 7-9 inches apart in the row with 24-30 inches between rows.

30-inch rows at the two highest plant populations (Figure 1). These results indicate that in the far-northern Corn Belt, yield levels can be increased with a combination of narrow rows and populations above 33,000 plants/acre.