Corn can survive despite floods, rain, wind, hail, ponding, and saturated soils!

Last night many locations received more rain than wanted or needed. Most of us were hoping for some rain to soften the crust that was restricting emergence for some late-planted corn seedlings. Some areas report more than 4 inches of rain…. and more is on the way!

Regarding flooding or ponding: Corn plants that are smaller than the 6 leaf stage (V6) can withstand flooding for up to 4 days. We talked about this in the following article »

Regarding hail: Corn development ranges from just planted to approximately the 5th leaf stage. The growing point is below the ground until V6, the 6th leaf stage. Jason De Bruin and Palle Pedersen wrote an article a few years ago that relates to plant survival and the effect of hail »

An article from Purdue University concerning hail damage is also useful »

Regarding strong winds: While wind may tatter leaves and plants. However, it should not reduce yields this early in the season unless plants are broken off.

The conditions this spring have been difficult for many, yet overall, most corn and soybean acreage has been planted and is in fine condition. This is good; we will just need to be prepared to watch fields that may exhibit lasting impacts from the wet spring.

Leave a Comment

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

Website