Managing Preceon™ Smart Corn Products from an Agronomic Standpoint

Management of Preceon™ Smart Corn System, from an agronomic standpoint, is not much different than what a farmer would implement with conventional “tall” corn. Both corn systems can benefit from enhanced management through in-season applications of nitrogen and fungicide.

Planting Rate for Preceon™ Short Corn

One area of management that differentiates Preceon™ short corn from regular statured corn is planting rate. In operations near my part of Illinois, 37,000 to 38,000 seeds per acre have traditionally been the maximum planting rate for regular corn. With shortened internodes of Preceon™ short corn products, higher seeding rates are possible as plants are more resistant to lodging and greensnap in windy conditions.

Increased Window for In-Season Field Operations for Preceon™ Short Corn

Another area of management differentiation is the improved in-season window for a sidedress nitrogen application with standard ground equipment. Often at V8 growth stage for regular statured corn, the window of opportunity for applying a sidedress nitrogen application is closed due to the corn being too tall for the toolbar. Preceon™ short corn can extend this window to allow adjustments to be made due to weather events or desired application timing by the farmer. This is also true for an in-season fungicide application(s). While it is entirely possible to ground apply fungicide in normal statured corn, it can be much easier for the operator in the Preceon™ short corn system. Standard ground equipment can be used due to the reduced plant and ear height with a maximum plant height of 5 to 7 feet and minimum average ear height of 2 feet, respectively.

Other agronomics such as total fertility and nitrogen requirements do not change for the Preceon™ short corn system. Fertility and nitrogen application totals should be based around yield goals, soil types, and soil tests.

Daniel Lundeen
Channel Agronomist

For additional Preceon™ Smart Corn System information, please review these articles:

The Effect of Planting Date on Yield Across Preceon™ Smart Corn System Products

Positioning Preceon™ Smart Corn

Tall and Short Stature Corn Agronomic Response to Nitrogen Rates

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