Properly spaced planting density helps corn fully utilize light and soil fertility, resulting in robust growth, enhanced lodging resistance, and is the foundation for high-quality, high-yield, cost-effective, and efficient production. So, how many corn plants should be planted per acre? Let's find out below.
How many corn plants can be planted per acre?
Corn generally requires dense planting, mostly with a row spacing of 1 meter and a plant spacing of 0.33-0.38 meters, with two plants per plant, resulting in approximately 3,500-4,000 plants per acre. However, the specific planting density varies depending on factors such as planting method and corn variety.
How to determine the planting density of corn?
1. Determine based on variety characteristics
Generally, the requirements are: loosely planted hybrid varieties with flat, broad leaves, and tall, medium-to-late maturing varieties with a large angle between the leaves above the ear and the stem are suitable for sparse planting. Conversely, varieties with a compact plant type, upright leaves, and a small angle between the leaves above the ear and the main stem are suitable for dense planting.
2. Determine based on soil fertility and soil conditions.
Besides the variety, the soil fertility level of the plot itself also varies, which can determine the planting density of corn. Generally, it is recommended to follow the principle of "dense planting in fertile soil and sparse planting in poor soil." That is, plots with good soil fertility can appropriately increase the planting density, while those with poor soil fertility should be planted more sparsely. In addition, plots with poor soil permeability and heavy clay soil should be planted sparsely, while sandy soil and sandy loam soil with good permeability should be planted more densely.
3. Determined based on the length of the corn growing season.
For example, early-maturing varieties with short growing seasons, lodging-resistant varieties, and varieties with compact plant types are suitable for dense planting. On the other hand, late-maturing varieties with long growing seasons, varieties with poor lodging resistance, and varieties with a spreading plant type are suitable for sparse planting.
4. Determined based on natural climate conditions
In areas with lower temperatures and large diurnal temperature variations, a higher planting density is recommended. In areas with higher temperatures and smaller diurnal temperature variations, a lower planting density is recommended.
5. Determine based on sowing method
Sparse planting is suitable for manual sowing, while dense planting is suitable for machine sowing.
