ARS | Publication request: Planting Rate Effects on Yield and Water Use of Irrigated Corn Hybrids with Different Maturities

Submitted to: Asa-Cssa-Sssa Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: May 3, 2004
Publication Date: October 5, 2004
Citation: Payne, W.A., Howell, T.A., Balota, M. 2004. Planting Rate Effects On Yield And Water Use Of Irrigated Corn Hybrids With Different Maturities. [cd-Rom]. Asa-Cssa-Sssa, Seattle, Wa. Annual Meetings Abstracts 2004.

Technical Abstract: Irrigated corn production systems in the U. S. High Plains need to reduce and optimize crop water use due to declining groundwater supply and uncertain fuel costs. We hypothesized that use of early corn hybrids may reduce water use and increase water-use efficiency compared to late hybrids if sown at higher planting rates. Early, medium and late Pioneer brand hybrids ranging in comparative relative maturity (CRM) values from 82 to 118 were grown at four planting geometries (6550 plants/ha on 0.76m rows, 13100 plants/ha on 0.76 cm rows, 13100 plants/ha on 0.38 m rows, and 26200 plants/ha on 0.38 m rows) at Bushland, TX. Early hybrid yield increased as population increased to 26,200 plants/ha, while that of late season hybrid yield decreased. Water use differed among maturity categories, but within categories was relatively insensitive to planting geometry. Mean water use of the latest hybrid (118 CRM) ranged from 732 to 747 mm, depending upon planting geometry, while that of an early (97 CRM) hybrid ranged from 643 to 660 mm. Pioneer brand hybrid 33B50 (112 CRM) used less water than later hybrids, but had slightly greater yield, and therefore greater water-use efficiency. Overall, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that earlier hybrids can be planted at higher densities to obtain yields comparable to those of later ones while using less water.