Corn Growth as Affected by Soil Temperature and Mulch¹

Abstract

Sypnosis Increases in soil temperature accelerated rate of emergence, rate of growth, and promoted earliness in corn. Corn growth rates approximately followed the Van't Hoff law, the Q10° c. of that law being from 2.0 to 2.8 for the average temperature range tested, 60° to 80° F. Corn yields appeared to increase with increases in soil temperature up to a point and then decreased with further increases in soil temperature. The most favorable soil temperature at the 4‐inch depth for corn growth in central Iowa appears to be about 75° F.

Planting Date and Residue Rate Effects on Growth, Partitioning, and Yield of Corn

“…Allmaras et al (1964), Willis et al (1957), and van Wijk et al (1959) observed that corn planted into residue covered soil generally had delayed emergence and reduced early seedling growth compared with corn planted into soil with no residue cover. These effects have been attributed to the cooler, wetter soil associated with the presence of surface residues.…”

THE RESPONSE OF EIGHT CORN (Zea mays L.) HYBRIDS TO ZERO TILLAGE IN MANITOBA

“…Soils maintained under cropping systems et al 1951), time to silking (Jones and (Blevins and Cook moisture maturity (Iremiren and Milbourn 1970;Griffith et al 1913;Lal1974;Mock 1979; Willis et al 1957) and grain yield and Erbach 1977; Gauer et al 1982). Re- (Iremiren and Milbourn 1979;Jones and ductions in soil temperature under zero til-Mederski 1963; Willis et al 1957).…”

“…Re- (Iremiren and Milbourn 1979;Jones and ductions in soil temperature under zero til-Mederski 1963; Willis et al 1957). Pre-lage result from the retention of previous vious studies have shown that corn hybrids crop residues which act to insulate the soil exhibit differential responses to decreasing and reflect solar radiation.…”

Influence of Water Mulches on Soil Temperatures and Sweet Corn and Green Bean Production

“…(10) found the most favorable soil temperature at a four-inch depth for corn growth was about 75° F. Mack et at. (4) found that the dry weight of snap bean plants increased as the soil temperature was increased from 54° F. to 78° F.…”