Comparing Single-Row and Twin-Row Corn Production in the Mid South

Abstract

Twin-row corn (Zea mays L.) has increased in the Mid South but with limited research. Comparisons of single- vs. twin-row irrigated corn stands of 25,700, 30,700, 35,000, and 39,200 plants/acre grown at N fertilizer rates of 180, 220, and 260 lbs N/acre were made at Stoneville, MS, in 2007 and 2008. Leaf area index (LAI) was greater (6.3) in twin rows than single rows (6.1) but was not affected by N fertilizer. LAI was greater in all stands in 2007 than 2008 due to more plants/acre and rainfall in July vs. drought in July 2008. Greater yields also occurred in 2007 than 2008. No yield differences occurred between row types except twin rows at 30,700 (238 bu/acre) and 35,000 (244 bu/acre) plants/acre in 2007 were greater than single rows (224 and 227 bu/acre, respectively). Row type nor N fertilizer affected 100-kernel weights, though they did decline in 2007 as stands increased from 25,700 (1.37 oz) to 30,700 (1.28 oz) plants/acre. In 2008, 100-kernel weights were less, with the two lower stands not differing (1.08 and 1.11 oz) and the two higher stands (1.05 oz) less than the 30,700 stand. Lodging occurred in 2007 and was greatest at 39,200 plants/acre. Aflatoxin and fumonisin were higher in 2008 (901.8 ppb and 8.6 ppm) than 2007 (0.4 ppb and 0.6 ppm) but unaffected by row type and N fertilizer. N fertilizer above 180 lbs/acre did not affect yield or other measured data.