And just like that, planting season is right around corner. When it comes to planting corn, it is important to get depth right, as it essential for proper root development, growth, development and maturity. CANTERRA SEEDS partners PRIDE Seeds are experts in the factors that set a corn crop up for success, and they are bringing this expertise to Western Canada. 

Corn needs to be planted deeper than other crops grown in the prairies (canola, flax wheat, barley, oats, etc.). Ideal planting depth is 1.5 – 2.0 inches into 0.5” of soil moisture. There are a couple of different school's of thought when it comes to most measuing seed depth, check out this short video from Market Development Agronomist Drew Thompson on his tried and true method to assess depth of soil for planting. 

Background: Corn Root Structure

Before discussing the implications of planting too shallow or deep, it is important to understand the development and structure of corn roots systems. Once corn seed is planted, the seed imbibes water and the water-dissolved nutrients in the embryo. These nutrients participate in a series of biochemical reactions that result in germination. The first structure to emerge from the seed is the radical root. After emergence of the radical, the coleoptile (not a root structure) emerges, followed by the lateral seminal roots. The radical and lateral seminal roots make up the seminal root system.

The seminal root system uptakes water for the growing seedling, but this root system does little nutrient uptake. Once the seedling has emerged above ground, the seminal root system growth slows, and the nodal root system develops.

The nodal root system develops at nodes right above the mesocotyl of the stem (~ 0.5 – 0.75” below the soil surface). The first set of nodal roots develop at the lowermost node and continue to develop at their respective nodes progressing toward the soil surface.  Nodal root set development is aligned with leaf collar  development - if the seedling has two sets of nodal roots it is at/near the V2 leaf stage. As the nodal root system develops, the seminal root system plays a less crucial role in water uptake. Nodal roots are essential for structural support and the majority of nutrient and water uptake.

So why is 1.5 to 2.0 inches into half an inch of soil moisture the ideal planting depth for corn? At this depth, good seed-to-soil contact can be achieved. Good seed-to-soil contact is vital for water uptake by the seed and the germination process. The seed needs to be placed into soil moisture for water uptake to occur. The soil moisture at planting depth should be even throughout the seedbed to promote uniform imbibition and germination leading to even emergence. In addition to this, the 2'' depth allows for development of a strong nodal root system, essential for rapid plant growth and development.

Consequences of Planting Too Shallow or Too Deep

It is important to remember that planting too shallow is worse than planting too deep. During the season, it is more common to identify problems in corn fields  planted too shallow.

Planting too shallow can result in poor development of the nodal root system, resulting in reduced water, nutrient uptake and plant lodging. Reduced access to nutrients and water can stress plants, resulting in poor plant health and lower yields. Plants tend to lodge when the nodal root system is poorly developed due to the lack of support provided to this tall, leafy plant. Plants with small, shallow root systems can be referred to as having, “rootless corn syndrome.”

Planting too deep can result in delayed emergence, exposure to cooler soil temperatures and leafing out underground. Delayed plant emergence is due to the greater time and energy required by the seedling to emerge from deeper depths.

At deeper depths, the soil can be cooler, resulting in a delay in germination and increased exposure to soil disease and insect damage. Corn is sensitive to cold soils and requires soils temperatures at or above 10ºC for germination. It is essential to check soil temperature at the proper planting depth before getting the planter rolling. Delayed emergence can result in delayed flowering and silking, maturity and harvest.

Taking the time to set planting depth and checking depth from field to field can lead to fewer potential problems to cope with during the growing season. 

Ready to Seed the Difference?

Contact a PRIDE Seeds representative to ask any questions about seeding depth for corn, or choose the right corn variety to fit your farm. 

More Resources on Planting Corn:

• Root Development in Young Corn
• Optimum Corn Planting Depth – Don’t Plant Your Corn Too Shallow
• Corn Has a Unique Root System

Sara Meidlinger, Market Development Agronomist (Western Prairies), started with PRIDE Seeds in 2019 and is focused on growing the PRDIE Seeds portfolio across Western Canada. Sara maintains a field scale trial program across Western Saskatchewan and Alberta testing soybean varieties and corn hybrids for grain, silage and grazing purposes to track performance across the territory and highlight agronomic practices. Sara’s on-the-ground support helps growers pick the right corn hybrid for their operation, provides agronomic support and training, and assists the CANTERRA SEEDS team with sales meetings.