Burrus Buzz
Delivering more than just seed
1.3.17
Higher Populations ≠ Higher Yields
by Josh Gunther, Burrus Product Lead
Each year, the Burrus research team runs a series of population studies to give growers the most up-to-date
information on correct planting populations for our hybrids. In this population study, we test not only our
commercial varieties, but experimental hybrids as well. The test is conducted in multiple locations with a
variety of soil types. We typically use six different populations ranging from 21,000 to 46,000 to determine
which population optimizes yield on each soil type. The results from this study are used to update our
Corn Planting Rates table which can be found in both our 2016 Harvest Report (pg. 21) and 2017 Product
Selection Guide (pg. 42).
Higher planting populations do not always equal higher yields. Every hybrid responds differently to the
added stress that increased population can bring. For example, flex eared hybrids will typically respond
better to a lower population, whereas a fixed ear hybrid will respond better to a higher population. The
recommended planting populations are set to provide the highest yields without the exposure to agronomic
issues associated with planting too thick, such as root lodging, stalk lodging, and malformed ears.
These agronomic issues are mainly due to the added stress put on the plant from the competing plants
around it. The competition for not only nutrients in the soil, but also sunlight, can cause the plant to do some
strange things. When the stand is too thick for a certain hybrid, you will commonly see a taller plant structure with a thinner stalk diameter. That alone can cause many problems with mid and late season standability. Overcrowded plants will also show more nutrient deficiencies which can result in aborted kernels and
lower yields. Another common problem with a stand that is too thick for the hybrid is pollination issues. The
added stress at pollination time can cause a hybrid to have silk delay. If silks are delayed enough to miss the
pollen shed timing, the result will be half pollinated and even blank ears.
When in doubt about what planting populations are ideal, consult the Corn Planting Rates table in our
publications or speak with one of our agronomists. Remember, higher populations do not always equal
higher yields.
Questions or comments for our agronomic research team?
Submit to us at [email protected]
Stalk Us!
www.burrusseed.com
1-877-4-BURRUS
Burrus Buzz
Delivering more than just seed
1.3.17
Higher Populations ≠ Higher Yields
by Josh Gunther, Burrus Product Lead
CORN PLANTING RATES
A
B
C
High organic soils
Soil Type
34-40,000
31-37,000
28-34,000
Timber soils
31-37,000
27-33,000
26-32,000
Clay & varied soils
31-37,000
27-33,000
26-32,000
Sand (dryland)
26-32,000
23-29,000
21-27,000
Sand (irrigated)
Brand products
34-40,000
31-37,000
4J90™*
6N83AM™*
3H85AMX™*
4J93AM™*
6L45AMT™*
7H20™*
5009 3220
1S26AMXT
4J95AMX
6T51 GT
7H23 S™*
6216 3111 A
2B77AMXT™*
4J99 R™*
6T54 3000GT
7A18 Q™*
6C40™*
2R67
5C17AMXT
6Q60
9C24 3010A
6C41 S™*
2R63 R™*
5124 GT
6F71 R™*
2Y06AM
5K33AM
6F74AMX
3442
5K35AMX™*
6P75AMX™*
1G39AM™*
2V56AMX™*
1G48AMXT™*
2N82AM
2F91AMXT™*
™*
28-34,000
5N48™*
2428 GTA
™*
™*
™*
™*
™*
™*
6P73AM™*
™*
7577 3010
+ Plant 5C17AMXT™* and 6P75 AMX™* at the mid-range for your soil type, e.g., drop 34,000 on high organic soils rather than 31-37,000.
Best standability is normally achieved at the lowest recommended rates. Allows for a 10% stand loss.
Burrus, Hoblit, and Hughes are registered trademarks of Burrus. *Power Plus® Brand seed is distributed by Burrus.
*Power Plus®, Optimum®, AcreMax®, TRIsect® and AQUAmax® are registered trademarks of Pioneer.
SOYBEAN PLANTING RATES
Row width
7.5 inch
15 inch
30 inch
Untreated
190-200
165-175
150-160
PowerShield® (fully treated)
160-170
135-145
125-135
PowerShield® SDS
160-170
135-145
125-135
1,000 SEEDS PER ACRE
Use higher end of range in less than ideal conditions.
42
Stalk Us!
www.burrusseed.com
“
1-877-4-BURRUS