Corn roots

DeltaRed · Jul 24, 2013

Had a planter 'malfunction' this spring.Some seed was on the surface,some was just under,some was just right.Some of the shallower seed is not rooted deep enough.A bit of it is just falling over,the brace roots are not even in the ground.I'm thinking corn needs to be deeper just for the roots to be deep enough.Always thought the roots would find they're own correct depth.Not So?Been growin corn for 35+ years.....Maybe it's time to update from the old JD#70 planter??

rrlund · Jul 24, 2013

The Hefty Brothers say it needs to be planted 2 inches deep for the brace roots to be right I believe it is.

JD Seller · Jul 24, 2013

A depth control at the opener is much better than at the press wheel. Your ground is flat. In our hills the press wheel depth control worked terrible. That is why the JD 7000 sold so well so fast.

Even with your limited acreage it would not take long to pay for a better planter with better stands.

You can pick your brands but just about any more modern planter would beat the JD 70 unit for planting much corn.

My picks would be:
1) JD 7000
2) Kinze same as a JD 7000/1700 series as far as depth control
3) The tool bar White is a good planter. You can find them reasonable in price too.

Kell · Jul 24, 2013

1.5 inches deep is ideal seed placement, measured from the top of the seed. Setting to 2 or 2.5 inches is insurance for varying ground conditions that can affect depth. I"ve done 1 inch depth with no problems.

Huskers86 · Jul 24, 2013

I aleays go at 2 1/2" deep. The plant does emerge slower but it also does have a stronger stalk and root system. I used to go at 1 1/2" but it didn't work out as good. This is in good black dirt and your soil types may be different so you may have to vary from this. Here is a link that may help you a bit.http://www.monsanto.com/products/Do...epth_Effect_on_Final_Population_and_Yield.pdf

Frank 41 · Jul 24, 2013

Here in central IL, if you plant shallow such as 1.5 or less, you end up with rootless corn. No brace roots touching the ground. I would rather loose a day or two coming up but plant 2 - 2.5.

The footnote from Monsatan, I thought would only read just plant more seed.

GordoSD · Jul 24, 2013

You can still find 4r JD7000 planters around here for less than 2000. I have lots of upgrades on mine, kinze 13 wave coulters, bullseye seed tubes , heavy downsprings, monitor,front and rear trash rakes. It will no-til like the conservation planters.
One clutch failure in 13 years, but I only plant 40 acres a year with it.

Corn roots

DeltaRed

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rrlund

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JD Seller

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Kell

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Huskers86

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Frank 41

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GordoSD

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