Factors Influencing Corn Harvest Losses in Missouri

Abstract

Harvest inefficiencies in corn (Zea mays L.) can lead to volunteer plants in subsequent cropping systems. Field surveys were conducted in the fall of 2008, 2009, and 2010 in central Missouri to determine the extent of corn remaining following harvest and possible factors influencing losses. Thirty fields harvested by different producers using unique combines were surveyed. Sixty individual areas, each measuring 10.76 ft2, were surveyed in each field; individual kernels, ears, and kernels attached to ears were counted. Corn left in the field ranged from 25,199 to 399,414 kernels/acre (0.3 to 4.6 bu/acre). Crop, combine, and environmental information was obtained for each field. Six-row headers resulted in 46% more kernels remaining in the field than 8-row headers, and self-leveling headers resulted in 34% fewer kernels than headers that were not self-leveling. Environmental factors contributed to differences in losses between years; losses in 2009 and 2010 were approximately 2.4 fold and 1.9 fold higher than losses in 2008, respectively. As percent seed moisture decreased from a range of 21-24% to 13-16%, harvest losses increased from an average of 80,041 to 167,407 kernels/acre, respectively. Overall, many factors contribute to the loss of kernels, potentially resulting in up to 99 volunteer plants per 10.76 ft2.