Effects
of row spacing and plant population on corn grain yield, moisture, and bushel
weight, SE Exp. Farm, Main
effects and Interaction Row space Thinned population (plants/acre) Grain Yield Harvest
moisture Bushel weight inches
apart ppa bu/acre % lbs. Main
effects: 20”-row 149 16.2 57.8 (RS) 30”-row 150 16.0 58.0 36”-row 143 16.1 57.6 *LSD
(10% level) **NS NS NS 20,000 146 16.3 57.6 (P) 25,000 151 16.2 57.9 30,000 145 15.8 57.9 *LSD
(10% level) **NS NS NS Interaction: RS X P 20”-row
space 20,000 150 16.6 57.6 25,000 151 16.3 57.8 30,000 148 15.7 58.1 30”-row
space 20,000 151 16.1 58.0 25,000 156 16.1 58.0 30,000 143 15.6 58.0 36”-row
space 20,000 139 16.1 57.4 25,000 146 16.0 58.0 30,000 146 16.1 57.5 *LSD
(10% level) 11.6 0.54 0.64 CV 6.49 2.76 0.92 *LSD–least
significant difference, means must differ by this value to be significantly
different. **NS – indicates differences
between means are non-significant. Discussion: Neither row space or population, alone,
significantly impacted the yield, moisture, or bushel weight of corn. There was however, a significant interaction
for these variables for yield when rows were 30”
apart. In 30”-rows, the yield for 30,000
was lower than for 25,000 ppa. Similarly, at 20,000 ppa, grain yield was higher in the
narrower rows (20” and 30”) than in the wider row (36”). The row space
by population interaction was also significant for harvest moisture in 20”rows;
where moisture values were
low at 30,000 ppa and high at 20,000 or 25,000 ppa. The high of
58.1 (20” row space at 30,000 ppa) and low of 57.4 (36” row space at 20,000 ppa) for bushel weight were the only averages that differed
significantly. Summary: Neither row space or population, alone,
impacted corn production. In contrast,
their interaction did affect
yield, grain moisture, and bushel weight.
The interactions, however, varied by the row space
and population used at planting.
Discussion by Robert G. Hall, Extension Agronomist-Crops,
Plant Science Dept., Source: Berg, R., D. DuBois, R.
Stevens, and G. Williamson. 2001.
Corn row spacing and population study.
Row
Space
Population