Corn across Kentucky will jump over the next week and we’ll find out if we need to pay for any planting sins.
Corn across Kentucky will jump over the next week and we’ll find out if we need to pay for any planting sins.
The heat and sun over the next few days will send a lot of corn to tassel and will help younger corn reach rapid growth. All of the corn that had looked pale and yellow during those storms will reach a deep green color by Monday, June 23, 2025, as long as it has adequate nutrients and good roots. Corn that was shin-high this week will be waist-high or taller next week. Corn that was shoulder high this week will tassel by next Friday.
By next Friday, June 27, 2025, we will learn if we have too many planting sins. Corn suffering from sidewall compaction, corn planted too shallow (or soil washed away), and corn limited by subsurface compaction will start showing nutrient deficiencies by the end of next week. Before a farmer orders more fertilizer, the farmer or crop scout should identify if these other problems are occurring.
If corn roots are severely restricted to the seed furrow and/or severely restricted 1 to 3 inches beneath the soil surface, then walk away. Additional fertilizer will not help those roots break through. Those roots cannot access nutrients, oxygen or water beyond that compacted layer. The amount and cost of fertilizer needed over the course of the season would far exceed the returns to yield. Also, this corn is at an extremely high risk for drought stress during seed fill. Leaves on this corn will roll long before corn with excellent roots will show any symptoms. Again, walk away until harvest. There is no need to throw more money into a bad situation.
If corn roots have broken through the compaction layer, then this corn has a chance to make a good crop. It will be a little more susceptible to drought later. If adequate nutrients have already been applied, then there is no need to apply more. Monitor and scout these fields for insects and diseases later in the season.
This crop can recover well if corn has a shallow placement (because of shallow planting or soil being washed away). It is at greater risk for lodging during seed fill, but it has potential for excellent yields. If adequate fertilizer was applied already, then there is no need to apply more. Scout these fields for insects and diseases later in the season.
Contact your local extension agent for more information.
