Impact of imposed root lodging on corn growth and yield

Abstract

Strong winds combined with heavy rains can push corn (Zea mays L.) plants over and pull roots part way out of the soil. Weather events that bring these conditions are becoming more frequent in occurrence in the midwestern United States. Yield losses due to root lodging have been related to partial loss of root activity and reduced light interception, but also may stem from affected pollination and kernel fill. A field study was conducted in Ohio from 2018 to 2020 that simulated root lodging from strong winds imposed at V10, V13-14, VT-R1, or R3 growth stages in three modern hybrids. Plants were pushed perpendicular to row direction at the specified stage following natural rain or irrigation events. Differences in hybrids were recorded in this study, but each hybrid exhibited a similar response to lodging (hybrid × lodging interaction was not evident). Yield was reduced by 5, 22, 43, and 33% compared to non-lodged control at V10, V13-14, VT-R1, and R3, respectively. Light interception in the upper canopy decreased when measured at R4 if lodged previously, and was of greater magnitude as lodging occurred later in the season. Poor pollination contributed to the large yield loss at VT-R1. In addition to reduced yield, increased vivipary and decreased kernel weights in the R3 treatments could further reduce grain quality. These yield losses from this study are greater than have been reported previously, and should be considered when assessing fields for severe wind damage in the future.

Using drones to detect and quantify wild pig damage and yield loss in corn fields throughout plant growth stages

“…Using corn plant height during the blistering and dent mature stages allowed us to differentiate wild pig damage from damage caused by water or wind. The corn that was damaged by wild pigs was trampled and flat along the soil surface, versus corn plants that endure water and wind damage resulting in stunted heights, delayed emergence, and root lodging (Shrestha et al 2013, Lindsey et al 2021). The nDSM height raster can be used to detect damage in latter growth stages of other crops such as sorghum, wheat, or hay fields that display a distinct height difference between healthy plants and wild pig damaged plants (Kuzelka and Surovy 2018).…”

A Crucial Role for Technology in Sustainable Agriculture

“…This example illustrates that the assessment of sustainable practices should include multiple years of data to account for impact or avoidance of catastrophic loss due to genetics, traits (native or biotech), and practices that are used when these events arise. Crop lodging at noncatastrophic levels does still affect yield, 84 harvestability, and for corn, in-season access by ground-based equipment.…”

Quantification of root lodging damage in corn using uncrewed aerial vehicle imagery

“…In 2018 and 2019, a field study was conducted at the Western Agricultural Research Station in South Charleston, OH, to assess the impact of imposed root lodging on corn grain yield and quality (Lindsey et al., 2021). Three hybrids were evaluated, and lodging was imposed in the field at stages V10, V14, VT/R1, and R3 each year (staging as described in Abendroth et al., 2011) in addition to having an untreated check (UTC) that was not lodged.…”

“…Root lodging events from strong storms can affect corn production fields, and recovery from such events often depends on the growth stage of the incidence. Lodging during the mid‐late vegetative growth stages (prior to tasseling/VT) can cause yield losses ranging from < 1 to 15% (Carter & Hudelson, 1988; Li et al., 2015; Minami & Ujihara, 1991) but has typically been most detrimental when occurring during the flowering period (VT/R1) with yield losses ranging from 12 to 43% (Carter & Hudelson, 1988; Lindsey et al., 2021; Minami & Ujihara, 1991; So et al., 2013). Yield losses are less when lodging occurs in the R2‐4 reproductive stages (15–38%), though concerns related to grain quality and harvest losses increase (Li et al., 2015; Lindsey et al., 2021; Minami & Ujihara, 1991).…”

“…Lodging during the mid‐late vegetative growth stages (prior to tasseling/VT) can cause yield losses ranging from < 1 to 15% (Carter & Hudelson, 1988; Li et al., 2015; Minami & Ujihara, 1991) but has typically been most detrimental when occurring during the flowering period (VT/R1) with yield losses ranging from 12 to 43% (Carter & Hudelson, 1988; Lindsey et al., 2021; Minami & Ujihara, 1991; So et al., 2013). Yield losses are less when lodging occurs in the R2‐4 reproductive stages (15–38%), though concerns related to grain quality and harvest losses increase (Li et al., 2015; Lindsey et al., 2021; Minami & Ujihara, 1991). With strong storms occurring throughout the last decade, accurate quantification of crop damage will help farmers prepare for potential yield losses and anticipate management challenges associated with harvest, residue management, and volunteer corn presence in future years.…”