Estimating Corn Grain Yield


The most widely used method for estimating field corn yield is the Yield Method, developed many years ago at the University of Illinois. The Harvest Phase method can be used long before harvest, before grain development's milk stage (R3). Estimates made earlier than R3 are at risk of overconfidence if later stressors cause abortion or hearing loss.


This method is based on Who can estimate Yield from the components that make up the grain, including the number of pods, kernels, and pods per row. The last point, the weight of each grain, cannot be measured until it is mature (black cloth) and, however, depends on the moisture content of the grain at harvest. Thus, the kernel weight used is almost like a "fudge factor" and can be adjusted depending on the stress level of the crop during the growing season.


Crop uniformity also comprehensively influences the accuracy of any yield estimation method. As the field becomes smaller, the number of samples that Who must take to estimate the yield increases. Try to sample areas within the field randomly so there is no bias in the yield estimate, either high or low. In a well-balanced area, count the products in five different areas.


In each area, measure the line length equal to 1/1000th of an acre. For 30-inch (2.5 ft) lines, this is 17 ft 5 in. For 36-inch lines, this is 14 ft 6 in.

Calculate and record the number of pods harvested from plants per 1/1000th acre of row. Only count fallen ears or ears on tightly closed plants if you are confident that the head of the compound will be able to pick them up.

For every fifth ear in the sample line, count the number of complete kernel lines in each ear. Do not sample nubbins or deformed ears unless they represent the sample area. If the row number changes from shove to tip, which can occur due to drought stress, measure the number of kernel rows in each ear. Do not count the butt or endpoint; instead, choose the area in the middle of the hole where there is a complete ring of grains. Do not count the cut kernels. The image on the right shows a kernel with 20 kernel lines. The kernel number is approximately equal, but extreme drought or nutrient stress can cause an abnormal number.

Using the same ears, find the average number of grains in each row in each ear. This is done by counting the grains along the hole length from the butt to the tip. If the number of dots in the line is not equal among the lines of the ear, estimate the value of the ear.

Estimate the Yield at each location by multiplying the ear number by the average number of kernels/line and dividing by 90. 90 is the "fudge factor" mentioned before and represents 90,000 kernels at 56 lb. bushels. During growing seasons with stressful conditions, the kernel size may be smaller than average, so the number is higher, e.g. 100, can be used. In a year with excellent grain filling conditions and low pressure, low numbers, e.g. 75, can represent larger grains. So, the equation looks like this:

                                     Ears * Kernel Lines * Ruins


Maize Yield = 1000th ac Ear Raw.


                                                                90


For example, let's say you counted 24 harvests in the first place. Sampling each 5th ear resulted in an average kernel number of 16 and an average number of kernels in the row of 30. The yield estimate for this area would be (23 x 17 x 30 )/90 = 130 bu/ ac.

Now, this field encountered moisture stress during pollination and silking. A higher denominator, i.e. smaller kernel size and lighter weight, may be appropriate. So, using the same numbers as earlier but a higher number of kernels/bushel: (24 x 16 x 30)/100 = 115 bu/ ac.


Repeat these steps in as many places in the arena as you consider representative. Calculate the total Yield for all areas to estimate the field yield.


This method of estimating corn yield is just an estimate. Since kernel size and weight will vary by hybrid and environment, What should only use this method to obtain ballpark grain yields? Yields may be overestimated with poor conditions during grain filling (such as our current drought) and overestimated in a year with good conditions. of being full of grain. The grain yield measurement method is approximately accurate to within +/- 20 bushels per acre. Use the product estimates obtained in this way for general purposes only.

Comments