Corn on Corn

As many growers are looking at first time corn on corn rotation on their farms several factors need to be taken into consideration. One of the most important steps in corn on corn rotation should have been done last fall with residue management. The problem with residue will never be eliminated but can be managed more effectively.

Residue can cause a number of problems:

*Wetter soils
*Colder soils at planting
*Planting challenges (ie stalks, old root balls)
*Nitrogen tie up (consider split applications)
*Disease in crop residue
*Increased insect pressure
*Bigger challenge in no-till corn on corn to get herbicides on target

The best way to manage these higher residue problems is through the following practices:

Hybrid Selection
*Disease packages for resistance to foliar diseases
*Insect packages for the possibility of higher corn borer and rootworm pressure
*Yeildgard corn borer trait
*Yieldgard root worm trait
*Colder soil early in season due to more residue causes later emerging weeds and grass (Roundup trait)
*Reduce secondary insect pressure and uneven stands by using Poncho 250 seed treatment
*Do not forget a good insect control program on your refuge acres
*Varieties that have good early emergence characteristics are important in this often colder, wetter environment

Herbicide
*Always have a good pre-plant program for winter annuals
*Clean fields early reduces cutworm pressure
*Clean fields allow you to conserve moisture in a dry year
*Design a pre-plant or over the top herbicide program to help control your problem weeds and grasses

DO NOT USE ROUNDUP AS YOUR ONLY HERBICIDE!

Planting
Management of the planting procedure is always one of the most important steps of the year. High residue from corn on corn increases the management level necessary to plant accurately. Use equipment made to handle the higher residue problems and colder soils at planting time.

*Trash managers
*Keeton Seed Firmers
*Proper row closing
*Proper down pressure on units for more uniform depth
*Rebuilt units for proper spacing within the row

Scouting
*Scout your corn on corn fields more closely to monitor for insects, diseases, and early nitrogen shortages.
*Later in the season monitor for more problems with ear and stalk rots

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