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Simulation supplements field studies to determine no-till dryland corn population recommendations for semiarid western Nebraska

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Lyon, D. J., Hammer, G. L., McLean, G. B. and Blumenthal, J. M. (2003) Simulation supplements field studies to determine no-till dryland corn population recommendations for semiarid western Nebraska. Agronomy Journal, 95 (4). pp. 884-891. ISSN 1435-0645

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Article Link: https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2003.8840

Abstract

In a 2-yr multiple-site field study conducted in western Nebraska during 1999 and 2000, optimum dryland corn (Zea mays L.) population varied from less than 1.7 to more than 5.6 plants m−2, depending largely on available water resources. The objective of this study was to use a modeling approach to investigate corn population recommendations for a wide range of seasonal variation. A corn growth simulation model (APSIM-maize) was coupled to long-term sequences of historical climatic data from western Nebraska to provide probabilistic estimates of dryland yield for a range of corn populations. Simulated populations ranged from 2 to 5 plants m−2. Simulations began with one of three levels of available soil water at planting, either 80, 160, or 240 mm in the surface 1.5 m of a loam soil. Gross margins were maximized at 3 plants m−2 when starting available water was 160 or 240 mm, and the expected probability of a financial loss at this population was reduced from about 10% at 160 mm to 0% at 240 mm. When starting available water was 80 mm, average gross margins were less than $15 ha−1, and risk of financial loss exceeded 40%. Median yields were greatest when starting available soil water was 240 mm. However, perhaps the greater benefit of additional soil water at planting was reduction in the risk of making a financial loss. Dryland corn growers in western Nebraska are advised to use a population of 3 plants m−2 as a base recommendation.

Item Type:Article
Subjects:Plant culture > Field crops > Corn. Maize
Live Archive:28 Jan 2024 22:45
Last Modified:28 Jan 2024 22:45

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