Corn Yields, Soil Temperature, and Water Use with Four Tillage Methods in the Western Corn Belt¹

Abstract

Abstract Corn grown with four systems of tillage (conventional, wheeltrack planting, till planting, and listing) was compared for yield and several growth characteristics. Yields from the three reduced‐tillage systems in 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968 were at least as good as those from the conventional system. The four tillage methods created a wide range of soil conditions, so that differences in growth and yield indicate the range of response that can be expected from tillage for the seasons experienced. Because of below normal rainfall, corn was under stress during flowering and ear formation in each of the four years. Soil temperature at seed depth was lowest in the listed plots where corn was planted in the bottom of the furrow. Although this resulted in slower plant growth, the delayed maturity was not correlated with final yield of dry grain or total dry matter. No significant difference among tillage systems in either total water use or in the pattern of water use was detected.