Maximizing Corn-on-Corn Success: Key Strategies for Yield and Profitability
Feb 15, 2025
Dustin Haberkorn, Agronomy Business Development Manager
Thanks to advances in corn hybrid genetics, nitrogen stabilizers and crop protection products, corn-on-corn acres are a popular choice amongst growers. While reduced yields are always a risk, growers now have more tools to minimize loss and maintain a healthier crop throughout the growing season. When reaching for the additional profit per acre that corn is currently providing, here are a few key items we’d recommend considering when making input decisions.
While hybrid selection is critical to maximizing yield potential, proficient residue management is key to successful corn-after-corn production. High corn residues can result in cooler, wetter soils at planting; increased disease and insect levels; and nitrogen tie-up during the growing season. Starter fertilizers traditionally are recommended for fields with cooler soil temperatures, no-till fields and those with high residue cover. When placed near the developing seed, starter fertilizers provide easily accessible nutrients until soil conditions improve and an adequate root system is established. In these conditions, starter fertilizer can be a good return on investment option when planting corn on corn.
Because nutrients are so important to corn-on-corn acres, nitrogen stabilizers may also be needed. The greatest nitrogen losses through denitrification generally occur in the spring when rain is most frequent, and nitrogen uptake is relatively low. Rescue or side-dress applications will most likely be needed as we saw last Spring. Since corn uses about 30-40% of its nitrogen post-tassel, nitrogen management is critical but subject to conditions for application. For this reason, we would recommend working with your agronomist to have a contingency plan ready in case of weather or other issues arise.
When it comes to hybrid selection expect corn root worm pressure. Corn rootworms thrive in a corn monoculture. In some cases, corn rootworms resist certain rootworm-resistant traits. Mixing up control measures such as traits, and soil insecticides is a good way to forestall resistance. When selecting hybrids, also keep in mind placement on high-potential acres and hybrids that have shown high response rate to nitrogen and fungicides to get the most return possible.
Though some yield loss is expected when planting corn on corn, yield reductions can be minimized by selecting the right hybrids and managing fields before, during and after the growing season. Routinely scout and monitor fields to identify any problems early. During these times we are looking for stand establishment issues, nitrogen shortages, increased insect pressure, disease outbreaks, weed problems and moisture stress effects to mitigate corn-on-corn issues.
Planting corn-on-corn comes with challenges, but with the right hybrid selection, residue management, nutrient planning, and pest control strategies, growers can minimize yield loss and maximize profitability. Staying proactive with starter fertilizers, nitrogen stabilizers, and field scouting will help maintain a healthier crop throughout the season. Working closely with an agronomist ensures that you have a tailored plan to address potential risks and optimize your inputs. Contact your local IAS agronomist today to discuss the best strategies for your operation and make the most of your corn-on-corn acres this season.
Thanks to advances in corn hybrid genetics, nitrogen stabilizers and crop protection products, corn-on-corn acres are a popular choice amongst growers. While reduced yields are always a risk, growers now have more tools to minimize loss and maintain a healthier crop throughout the growing season. When reaching for the additional profit per acre that corn is currently providing, here are a few key items we’d recommend considering when making input decisions.
While hybrid selection is critical to maximizing yield potential, proficient residue management is key to successful corn-after-corn production. High corn residues can result in cooler, wetter soils at planting; increased disease and insect levels; and nitrogen tie-up during the growing season. Starter fertilizers traditionally are recommended for fields with cooler soil temperatures, no-till fields and those with high residue cover. When placed near the developing seed, starter fertilizers provide easily accessible nutrients until soil conditions improve and an adequate root system is established. In these conditions, starter fertilizer can be a good return on investment option when planting corn on corn.
Because nutrients are so important to corn-on-corn acres, nitrogen stabilizers may also be needed. The greatest nitrogen losses through denitrification generally occur in the spring when rain is most frequent, and nitrogen uptake is relatively low. Rescue or side-dress applications will most likely be needed as we saw last Spring. Since corn uses about 30-40% of its nitrogen post-tassel, nitrogen management is critical but subject to conditions for application. For this reason, we would recommend working with your agronomist to have a contingency plan ready in case of weather or other issues arise.
When it comes to hybrid selection expect corn root worm pressure. Corn rootworms thrive in a corn monoculture. In some cases, corn rootworms resist certain rootworm-resistant traits. Mixing up control measures such as traits, and soil insecticides is a good way to forestall resistance. When selecting hybrids, also keep in mind placement on high-potential acres and hybrids that have shown high response rate to nitrogen and fungicides to get the most return possible.
Though some yield loss is expected when planting corn on corn, yield reductions can be minimized by selecting the right hybrids and managing fields before, during and after the growing season. Routinely scout and monitor fields to identify any problems early. During these times we are looking for stand establishment issues, nitrogen shortages, increased insect pressure, disease outbreaks, weed problems and moisture stress effects to mitigate corn-on-corn issues.
Planting corn-on-corn comes with challenges, but with the right hybrid selection, residue management, nutrient planning, and pest control strategies, growers can minimize yield loss and maximize profitability. Staying proactive with starter fertilizers, nitrogen stabilizers, and field scouting will help maintain a healthier crop throughout the season. Working closely with an agronomist ensures that you have a tailored plan to address potential risks and optimize your inputs. Contact your local IAS agronomist today to discuss the best strategies for your operation and make the most of your corn-on-corn acres this season.