It is a common belief that high heat and humidity are ideal for corn growth. In reality, high temperatures, especially high nighttime temperatures, can reduce corn yield potential by increasing respiration.

Between the V3 and V5 growth stages, corn transitions from deriving energy directly from the seed to acquiring energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. Visual appearances during these stages offer clues to overall plant health.

Growers can protect their investment in Roundup Ready^® crops and maximize yield potential through the use of a residual herbicide, such as SureStart^®II or Sonic^®. SureStart delivers consistent, broad-spectrum weed control during early stages of corn growth and offers application flexibility. Sonic provides broad-spectrum foundation control of tough broadleaf weeds to reduce competition for emerging soybeans.

Nitrogen (N) can be lost from the soil between application and crop uptake. By managing applications, you can maximize yield by making sure N is available when corn plants need it most.

Like a house with a poorly prepared foundation, corn plants with rootless corn syndrome (or floppy corn syndrome) between the V3 and V8 growth stage can topple at any moment, leading to stunted growth and even plant death. What causes this phenomenon and how can plants survive?

Wet and/or humid conditions can lead to black, sooty molds in cornfields at harvest. Sooty molds are species of secondary saprophytic fungi — microorganisms that feed on dead plant material. The presence of these molds can create excessive amounts of black dust when harvesting affected cornfields.

Dry summers and relentless pests increase your corn crop’s susceptibility to aflatoxins, which are harmful to livestock. Reduce your exposure with effective management.

In areas of the Corn Belt, frost and variable soil temperatures can place corn under significant stress after planting.

Soil acidity is one of the primary fertility issues that can limit crop growth. High levels of acid can reduce nutrient availability, restrict root growth and increase the toxicity of some elements. Soil acidification occurs naturally as the result of rainfall, plant growth, breakdown of organic matter and the application of ammonia fertilizers. Applying lime reduces soil acidity and is a source of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).

Increased use of reduced tillage and no-till production practices has increased gray leaf spot occurrence. Caused by a fungus, the disease leads to leaf tissue loss, resulting in a decrease in plant sugars and decreased grain production. Potential yield losses range from 5 percent to 40 percent.

Crop harvest removes valuable nutrients from the soil. Understanding the amount of nutrients removed is crucial to understanding how to fertilize for the highest yield potential next season. With high input costs, it can be tempting to skimp on nutrients to save cost. Over time, however, this approach can reduce yield potential and profitability.

The final application of irrigation water can help corn reach peak yield potential. Manage your crops with effective and responsible use of water resources.

Corn nematodes are plant parasites that exist in every field to some degree. Yield loss varies by nematode species and their populations. Collecting and submitting samples for plant parasitic nematode analysis is the only way to evaluate your exposure.

Nutrient deficiency symptoms are not always caused by a lack of nutrients in the soil. Other factors can be to blame, such as poor root development, unfavorable soil conditions or weather. Plant tissue sampling helps identify the problem and determine corrective action.

When low temperatures or frost injure young corn plants, you may wonder if these plants will recover. Carefully weigh your options and don’t make any quick replanting decisions. The key to assessing corn seedling viability is to find and observe the growing point.