Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky
Farmers are considering replanting some corn fields. If replanting occurs, there are questions about maturity groups and when to expect harvest.
Later Plantings Reach Blacklayer Faster
As corn planting is delayed, heat units or growing degree days (GDD's) accumulate more rapidly. This more rapid accumulation of GDD's essentially speeds up the growth and development of hybrids. For example, a hybrid that requires 2700 GGD's to reach blacklayer needs about 130 days when planted on April 1 in Mayfield, KY. That same hybrid planted May 15 requires about 109 days, a 21-day difference.
Farmers are considering replanting some corn fields. If replanting occurs, there are questions about maturity groups and when to expect harvest. Later Plantings Reach Blacklayer Faster
As corn planting is delayed, heat units or growing degree days (GDD's) accumulate more rapidly. This more rapid accumulation of GDD's essentially speeds up the growth and development of hybrids. For example, a hybrid that requires 2700 GGD's to reach blacklayer needs about 130 days when planted on April 1 in Mayfield, KY. That same hybrid planted May 15 requires about 109 days, a 21-day difference.
