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Uneven emergence could cost farmers yield potential

An agronomist encourages corn and soybean growers to monitor stands as crops emerge.

Ryan Peterson with WinField United says even emergence is extremely critical.

“Let’s say you have two corn plants next to each other, and one of those corn plants emerges about two leaves later. Basically, that late-emerging corn plant is now a weed, it’s probably not going to make an ear (and) it’s going to take nutrients, sunlight, and water from those neighbors.”

He tells Brownfield the decision to replant is by far the hardest to make for most crop farmers.

“Especially a crop like corn. Seed costs are at least $100 per acre, you have the time. With fuel costs it’s not free to run that planter across the field again, so the more eyes and the more opinions you can get when evaluating a stand, I think that’s super critical.”

Peterson says cool, variable soil conditions and uneven moisture can inhibit uniform emergence, which can impact stand consistency and early root development.