300/100 Club

If you aren't living under a rock somewhere you have heard or seen a seed company commercial boasting that their hybrids will yield better. While we have enjoyed an average of 2% increase in yield that past 10-20 years some of the yield increase can be associated to more than better hybrids and genetic modifications. We will continue to trumpet the importance of the R7 Strategy. 300/100 requires it.







What is the 300/100 club. Monsanto and Pioneer both have goals of achieving 300 bushel corn averages and 100 bushel soybean averages with there hybrids and varieties in the next couple decades. We were at 165 bushel last year. That's a long way to go, but not impossible.







Let's look at a few concepts. Genetics x Environment = Yield (GxE=Y). This idea supposes that you select the correct genetic hybrids multiplied by the environment that you have to maximize yield. Basically you need to know the R7 to select the right hybrid or variety.







The first step in setting a 300/100 goal is selecting the right soils. Let's think about 2 things. First think water: water holding capacity, drainage, rooting depth, soil structure. Second think nutrients: soil pH, organic matter (topsoil depth), very high soil test P & K. Generally speaking the better the CSR rating you will see a better potential to reach the 300/100 goal.







The second step to the 300/100 club is selecting the best crop rotation. Data suggests that soybeans will yield better in a rotation versus in a continuous system. Long term university data has also shown that typically the yields of continuous corn are 5-15% lower than those for corn following other crops such as soybean or alfalfa. However, consistent high yielding continuous corn is achievable.







Th next step is to look at populations. For 300 bushel corn most producers will have to increase corn populations. The assumption is modern day hybrids are more stress tolerant than hybrids 5 years ago. Why is this? Traits, improvement in genetics through conventional breeding and molecular marker breeding techniques have all played roles. Croplan Genetics has done extensive population studies associated with their hybrids and have assigned Response To Population (RTP) scores. The scales slides from 1-20. One is the least responsive, plants have very flex ears, and 20 being most responsive, plants have very fixed ears. According to ISU extension studies Midwest Corn Plant Populations from 2001-2009 have increased. In Iowa an average of +398 ppa/year and Minnesota +367 ppa/year was documented.



If you look at high populations you usually notice a stalk diameter change in high populations. Each plants root zone uses around 8" diameter. If you are planting 30" rows at 32,000 plants/ac the distance is 6.6" between plants. How do we allow more plants and more room at the same time. 20" rows 9.8" at 32,000 plants/ ac, and 15" rows will give 13.1" between plants. Planting this way gives a hexagonal arrangement of 6 plants around each plant. 15" rows are almost equidistant. There are still studies collecting data to identify the best row spacing. Try doing some research and experiment to determine the best row spacing for you. But be prepared to change your practices from time to time to maximize yield.





Pest Management is another part of the equation for achieving 300/100 status. For maximum impact there is no room for bad timing. Generally if you find yourself wondering if you should should spray or not, it's probably to late. Maybe consider in furrow insecticides and pre-herbicides are a no brainer. Timing, Timing, Timing of post herbicides is critical - 4 inches weed max. Fungicides at VT stage should be used every year depending on hybrid.





100 bushel soybeans are achievable to. Palle Pederson remarks "We don't get high yield by making wrong management decisions". Similar to corn variety, crop rotation, planting date, row spacing, and fertility decisions are critical for soybeans. Row spacing in Iowa shows a 4 to 4.5 bushel advantage in 15 inch rows over 30 inch rows. You'll have to decide if that is enough to make changes in your practices. Crop protections tips for maximum bean production include using Fungicides, insecticides, and innoculant treatments. Another no brainer is a pre-emergent herbicide. Again post timing is critical. Spray weeds less than 4 inches or about 24 days after planting. Scout, Scout, Scout for bean leaf beetles and aphids. Be ready to pull the trigger. There is a 1.6 bushel per day by delaying aphid spraying. Foliar fungicides generally work. The world record soybean yields have consistently been sprayed with 3 applications of fungicide.





Finally we arrive at plant nutrition. Higher yields continue to deplete our nutrient reserves. Remember you need to be able to adjust your fertility program to achieve higher yields. The law of minimums dictate how much production you achieve. In order they are moisture, length of growing season, & fertility. It's simply amazing what 300/100 bushel crops uptake. Corn would use 225-132-87 and beans would use 400-80-140. Also consider some of the micro nutrients that become necessary to supplement. Fertility can be tough with nitrogen management always a moving target. Do you have good timing? Is there availability? How can we increase nutrient uptake/diffusion? Expand root exploration, higher nutrient levels in soil, soil moisture content and placement. Plant roots must go to immobile nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. Simply keep on top of soil test levels and maintain them. Don't let fertility be a limiting factor.





Let's visit the right genetics again. All corn hybrids have 300 bushel potential, and all soybean varieties have 100 bushel potential. All products being sold are good. Placement is everything when selecting. The best genetics still need managed properly. Remember GxE=YIELD. Not all of our fields are the perfect environment. even the best fields are not perfect on every acre.





Considerations for 300/100 crops include:


Products with high yields and a nice defensive package ( examples N/W hybrids, RC 2257)





Products that will respond to management for the future ( row spacing-need correct plant architecture)





Medium maturities - best able to capitalize on the average season that occurs





Reduce stress in your fields - more important early in corn and later in soybeans





Consistency down the row requires stress tolerance.





Achieving the 300/100 club can and is being accomplished. The best producers are using the R7 strategy. The R7 placement strategy when utilized with the expertise of the local agronomist, can bring tremendous value to your operation.