Corn Response to Delayed Planting in the Central Great Plains

In the central Great Plains, there is growing interest in management options that could improve and stabilize corn (Zea mays L.) production in marginal environments. Limited research exists regarding the practice of delayed planting and its impact in the central Great Plains. Three environments were defined from six location-years in 2007 and 2008 based on the degree and duration of environmental stress. When planting was delayed from early April to late June grain yields were reduced by 10% in low-stress environments, increased by 30% with early-season stress, and decreased by 60% when full-season stress occurred. In low-stress and early stress environments, vegetative biomass was greatest for late May to early June planting dates. Leaf area index (LAI) at tassel (VT) also was dependent on planting date, as decreases were not observed in the low-stress and high-stress groups until late June planting dates. In the early-season stress environment, early June planting dates produced the greatest LAI at VT (3.90), and mid-April planting dates produced the lowest (3.34). These results suggest that scenarios exist where later planting may be a viable alternative for maintaining dryland corn yields in select environments.