Can Corn follow Corn?

Corn Following Corn

Corn following corn has a higher corn nitrogen requirement than other crop rotations in the Midwest and Northeast. Most states across the Midwest and Northeast recommend about 30 to 40 pounds more N/acre for corn following corn comparing corn following soybean. However, the extra N does not make up for the expected yield penalty of corn following corn compared with corn following soybeans. Corn following corn in the mid-South does not require extra N, but the yield penalty still exists.

In most soils at most locations, corn following corn will yield less than corn following soybeans. Typically, this yield loss cannot be overcome as fields remain in continuous corn. Exceptions do occur, but they are rare. Reports in parts of Illinois suggest higher yields for corn following corn, but this may be due to a variant of corn rootworm in the fields following soybeans.

Breakdown of corn residue.

Most questions about corn residue are generally concerned with being able to plant corn into a heavy residue from the previous corn crop. Residue management begins at harvest. Combines can be equipped with shredders/spreaders to distribute corn residue evenly across the harvested field. When crop conditions permit, leaving higher stubble reduces residue lying on the field surface. Stalk chopping in the fall is a common practice prior to fall tillage. Modern planting equipment and row cleaners help move residue away from the seed furrow. Tillage can also help with residue management. Conventional tillage will bury some of the residue and increase breakdown of residue. Strip tillage is a medium between conventional tillage and no-tillage where a small strip is tilled and the remainder of the field is left to no-till conditions.

For more information on this and other topics related to corn production, contact your state extension corn specialist or your local extension educator/agent.

Here is the link to the corn extension specialists: state extension corn specialists.