Volunteer corn in a soybean field.

Here are some tips from local IA and MO agronomists as you begin to plan for 2021:

Reduce Potential for Volunteer Corn

• Down corn was a significant issue in 2020 due to the high winds and storms that hit this summer. While these winds likely effected your corn yield this year, they could have a longer impact as it increases the amount of volunteer corn in next year’s soybean fields. Control next year’s volunteer corn with fall tillage and/or a stand-alone application of Fusilade® DX herbicide in soybean fields to avoid any potential tank-mix antagonism and protect yield potential.

It All Starts with Planting

• Start with the right genetics. When choosing 2021’s seed, consider the unique needs of each of your fields and work with a local seed expert to identify the hybrids and varieties most likely to succeed where they farm.
• Adjust the planter between fields as needed, particularly if planting seeds that range in size.
• Plant at the right depth. Depending on soil moisture and type, agronomists typically advise that you plant corn hybrids at least 1.5” deep and soybean varieties 1” to 1.5” deep. However, taking what we learned weather-wise in 2019 and 2020, a 2” planting depth for corn could lead to a more uniformed emergence and more consistent ear sets and yields.
• Start planting when the conditions are right – even if it’s not the “right” calendar date. While it may be easy to let the calendar dictate when planting should start, growers shouldn’t begin until conditions are right. When planting corn and/or soybeans, soil temperatures should be at or near 50° F with warmer weather on the way, and the soil should be dry enough to prevent problems with unclosed seed slots.

Build an Herbicide Program That Starts and Ends Strong

• As we mentioned in our season insights blog, our Grow More Experience site trials revealed that 2-pass herbicide programs with multiple effective sites of action in an overlapping residual system brought the best results for weed control all season long. By layering levels of residual control with a full-time herbicide, you can build-up reliable, continual protection to keep fields clean and protect yield from planting to harvest. These robust programs can minimize the possibility of uncontrolled weeds wreaking havoc and adding weed seed to seed banks.

More Detailed Tips For 2021:

• Reduce Potential for Volunteer Corn in 2021 with Tillage this Fall
• Insights from IA and MO Grow More Experience Trials

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All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.