Corn growth and yield in uneven emerging stands

Uneven emergence of corn (Zea mays L.) may occur because of variable moisture in the seed zone, uneven depth of planting, soil compaction, seed zone temperature differences, or plant residue immediately above seed placement. We conducted a study over 5 yr to determine the effect of late-emerging plants on grain yield and plant characteristics of corn. Treatments included three uniform stands established by planting early May (E), 7 d later (+7), and 14 d later (+14), and two differentially emerging stands established by planting every other hill on the same calendar date as the E uniform stands followed by interplanting the alternate hills 7 (E+7) and 14 (E+14) d later (...)