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Trends in planting of soybean and corn - planting dates, depth of soil, seedbed preparation, equipment, etc.

The prospective trend of cultivating corn continuously in the light of reasons validating this trend is discussed. The current corn acreage downturn represents only a short-term trend induced by an upturn in the production costs. But rising prices and increasing output hold more prospects for corn.

Iowa corn farmers Barry and David Kusel have adopted the fall strip tillage technique to increase soil temperatures. The technique involves the application of deep-placed NH(sub 3) and starter fertilizers during the fall in bands that match planter row width.

A former sales promotion manager for Allis-Chalmers describes the rise and fall in the popularity of narrow-row corn. The company discontinued its 20-inch corn heads when having 20-inch corn was considered strange, but it later became popular.

Residue wheels, which clear crop residue off a planting row, have proved useful in recent tests in corn fields. No-till corn produced better stands and faster growing plants in rows that had been cleared. Test results are analyzed.

Crop rotation of soybean and corn can result in cost savings and higher yields. In addition, corn research has shown that yield bonuses are also a benefit. Reasons for the increased yields when using rotation aren't known. Some factors include disease, insects, and weed control.