Yield and Economic Considerations for Planting Density of Sweet Corn (Zea mays)

Optimizing yields for any crop is critical in order to maximize profitability. An important yield component in the production system is plant arrangement and density. The main objectives of this experiment were to determine the ideal plant density for yield, quality and economics for sweet corn. Two sweet corn field trials were conducted in Swan Quarter, NC, in 2012, using the fresh market sweet corn hybrids 'Obsession' and 'Garrison'. The experimental design was a split-split plot randomized complete block, with four replications per field test. Six populations were examined, ranging from the lowest density of 29,640 plants ha^-1 to the highest population of 79,040 plants ha^-1. Rows were planted in single or twin rows. Harvested ears were graded and quality data were collected, with ears of lengths between 15.2 and 17.8 cm being ‘select’ and ears of length greater than 17.8 cm being ‘premium’. A plant population of 79,040 plants ha^-1 produced the greatest quantity of both select and premium ears, and would generate the greatest revenue, although the increases in revenue become much smaller after increasing the plant density past 59,280 plants ha^-1. Ear quality suffers at the expense of increased yield, with increasing population density resulting in shorter, lighter ears. The ideal plant population should produce a high yield, or more importantly revenue, while meeting the quality standards of the producer. It appears that a plant density of 59,280 plants ha^-1 produces revenue similar to the highest population densities investigated, 61,160 and 79,040 plants ha^-1, without incurring any unnecessary decreases in ear weight and length, which decrease linearly for every increase in plant density. The use of twin rows had a minimal impact on yield and quality when compared with single rows.