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Plant Population for Corn

Hybrids react differently to various plant populations and producers should consult with their seed dealer on recommendations. Plant populations should be based on moisture available, potential rainfall during the growing season, and soil type. Populations of 14,000 to 18,000 plants per acre are recommended in western areas, low rainfall areas, and on light sandy soils. Populations of 19,000 to 24,000 plants per acre in eastern, high rainfall areas and 24,000- 30,000 plants per acre for corn grown under irrigation are recommended for plant population at harvest. The seeding rate should be 10-15 percent higher than the desired harvest populations. See table below for a guide in estimating plant populations at various row width spacings.

ESTIMATION OF PLANT POPULATIONS

Row Width

Row Length

(1/1000 acre)

20" 26'2"
22" 23'9"
28" 18'8"
30" 17'5"
36" 14'6"
38" 13'9"

Count the number of plants in row length and multiple x's 1000 to determine number of plants per acre.

Example: 20 plants counted in 17'5" row length of 30 inch spacing = 20,000 plants/acre.

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