Agronomic Crops Team On-Farm Research Projects 2001

Special Circular 187

Twin Rows for Corn Production

Steve D. Ruhl, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent

Objective

To evaluate the effect of twin rows on corn yield.

Background

Cooperator:	Tom Weiler	Fertilizer:	250 lb/A of 0-0-60 and 1
County:	Morrow		80 lb/A Anhydrous
Nearest Town:	Chesterville		Ammonia 3/29/01
Drainage:	Systematic		200 lb/A of 19-19-19
Soil type:	Sloan slity clay loam		at planting
Tillage:	Conventional	Planting Date:	April 28, 2001
Previous Crop:	Soybeans	Planting Rate:	30,200 seeds/A
Variety:	Pioneer 34B23	Row Spacing:	See Methods
Soil Test:	pH 7.0, P 23 ppm, K 154 ppm	Harvest Date:	October 22, 2001
		Herbicides:	PRE Define 10 oz./A Balance 1.5 oz./A Atrazine 1.5 #/A POST Distinct 5 oz./A

Methods

Two treatments were used in this trial twin rows and 30-in rows. The trial used four replications in the following non-randomized arrangement: 1-2-2-1-1-2-2-1. The plots were each six rows wide and 884 feet long. The complete plot was harvested. Both treatments were planted at a rate of 30,200 seeds/A. For the twin rows, two passes were made so that the rows were approximately 5 to 7 inches apart. The complete treatments were harvested and weighed with a weigh wagon.

Results

Summary

The effect of width of row on yield of corn has been studied for some time. Trials with 15-, 20-, 30-, 38-, and 60-inch widths have been previously studied. Our goal was to plant two rows 5 to 7 inches apart, spreading the plants out to capture more light and nutrients from the soil, to see if yield would increase. Our theory was not supported as yields from twin rows were not significantly different than yields from normally planted 30-in rows.

Acknowledgment

The author would like to thank Pioneer for the seed provided for the study.

For additional information, contact:

Steve Ruhl
Ohio State University Extension, Morrow County
871 W. Marion Rd., Suite 102
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-1070
ruhl1@postoffice.ag.ohio-state.edu