Effect of Closing Wheels on Corn Emergence and Yield for Conventional Till and No Till Systems.

Abstract

Farmers are seeking innovative ways to improve their return on investment (ROI) by increasing income, reducing costs, or combining higher income and lower costs. There are many different approaches for a farmer to achieve a higher ROI and to accomplish this she must navigate various crop production challenges throughout the year. Arguably the starting point for increasing a farmer’s profit involves crop establishment. Much of the variation in fall harvest data can be explained by variations in plant population, which is greatly impacted by planter set-up and spring planting conditions. We cannot discount the effect of genetics and environment on crop performance and yield, but planting conditions and equipment play a significant role in crop establishment and ultimately yield. It is important to determine, for example, whether or not modifications to planting equipment can address challenging planting conditions and therefore provide a significant ROI, (return on investment) through improved plant establishment and ultimately yield enhancement. The goal of this creative component is to compare the effects of differing closing wheel types on corn emergence and yield in conventional till and no till systems.