Corn Yield Response to the Solar Corridor in Upstate Missouri

Abstract

The solar corridor uses ultra wide‐row (152‐cm) corn (Zea mays L.) and reduced seeding rates to maximize photosynthesis of lower leaves and maintain or increase yield potential of the crop. But in common practice, seeding rates for corn have increased and row spacing decreased for early canopy development to maximize light interception, reduce weed interference, reduce herbicide applications and costs, and maintain conservation compliance. However, wide rows help manage disease in some instances. Relay‐intercropping within the corn solar corridor may be an option. However, farmers must take into account crop management and harvest considerations for the system to be practical and economically viable. Research conducted in 2005, 2006, and 2011 evaluated corn hybrid response in 76‐ and 152‐cm (solar corridor) row spacings. Although grain yields were similar for both row spacings in 2005, yields were 2.8 Mg ha−1 (39%) greater in 76‐cm rows than in 152‐cm wide rows in 2006. In 2011, 76‐cm single‐row corn yielded 1.3 to 3.1 Mg ha−1 (14–31%) more than 152‐cm row spacing. In all 3 yr, grain moisture, protein, and starch concentration showed limited differences. Challenges encountered using the solar corridor must be addressed for the system to be consistent and successful.

Soil Quality and the Solar Corridor Crop System

“…Twin rows were 19 cm apart, similar in previous studies (Nelson and Smoot, 2009) but were on 152‐cm centers to provide the corridors (see Fig. 1 in Nelson, 2014). Details on tillage, planting, and harvesting procedures and fertilizer and herbicide applications are provided in Nelson (2014).…”

“…A field trial evaluating response of corn hybrids to the SCCS was established in 2011 near Novelty, MO, in Knox County (40°01′ N, 92°11′ W) (Nelson, 2014) and repeated in 2013 near Columbia, MO, in Boone County (38°54′ N, 92°12′ W). The trials were established on a Putnam silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic, Vertic Albaqualfs) in Knox County and Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic, Aeric Vertic Epiaqualfs).…”

“…The trials were established on a Putnam silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic, Vertic Albaqualfs) in Knox County and Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic, Aeric Vertic Epiaqualfs). The experimental design was based on Nelson (2014) arranged as four row widths/seeding rates: 76‐cm row at 74,000 seeds ha −1 (monoculture); 152‐cm (solar corridor) single and twin rows at 37,000 seeds ha −1 ; and 152‐cm twin‐rows at 74,000 plants ha −1 (solar corridor) planted to two corn hybrids (DKC63‐42 and DKC62‐54) arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replicates that was no‐till planted on 4 May 2011 and 16 May 2013. Whole plots consisted of corn hybrid; split plots were seeding rate and split‐split plots were row widths.…”

“…Multiple cropping systems including the solar crop production, strip intercropping, and skip‐row patterns have been evaluated primarily for impacts on crop productivity, grain yield and quality, water and nutrient uptake efficiencies (Francis et al, 1986; Ghaffarzadeh et al, 1994; Lyon et al, 2009; Nelson, 2014), and reduced nutrient loss including nitrate nitrogen (Kanwar et al, 2005). Intercropping, the practice of growing two or more crops in close proximity in the same row or in rows or strips that are close enough for biological interaction (Liebman and Staver, 2001), is inclusive of companion planting, relay cropping, interseeding, and smother cropping.…”

The Solar Corridor: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Crop Production

“…Limited field trials have shown the potential for increased maize yields of specific hybrids, however, more studies must be conducted to overcome some of the challenges of the solar corridor for it to be a fully successful sustainable crop production system [4,15]. Early work with the SCPS demonstrated that specific maize hybrids could be selected for high yield performance [2,4], however, seed sources of these classical hybrids are limited or have disappeared as alternative germplasm has been developed for current industrial maize production.…”