A quick dig can diagnose corn emergence issues

LANSING, Mich. — A quick sample of emerging corn can give farmers insight into pests, disease, cold injury or uneven planting depths.

Gary Brinkman, Pioneer field agronomist, recommends using a spade to take a sample from the field.

“To start, take your square bottom spade and place it about six inches away from the row,” he said. “Position your hand on the opposite side of the row and use it to help the soil break at the seed trench.

“With practice, the seed trench will open and give you insight into the planting conditions it was planted in. Now I can measure accurate planting depth, examine seminal and radicle root growth, evaluate sidewall compaction, see insect feeding and discover conditions that may have led to root rot.”

It’s amazing what a quick dig can reveal, Brinkman said.

“The most important thing you want to look at is evaluating the radicle root. It is what really starts the race for these plants,” he said.

“Injuries to the radicle roots force the corn plant to rely on its seminal roots and delay emergence. Radicle root damage most often results in stunted growth and smaller plants.”