MADISON, Wis., March 11 (UPI) -- A U.S. study shows farmers are planting corn much earlier than ever before, and it seems to be paying off, at least in northern states.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers said earlier plantings could account for up to half of the yield gains seen in some parts of the northern Corn Belt since the late 1970s. Midwestern corn-growers produce three times more corn than they did a half-century ago, sowing seeds approximately two weeks earlier now than 30 years ago.
The study led by Chris Kucharik of the university's Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies suggests earlier planting could help explain 20 percent to 50 percent of the yield gains in the northern Corn Belt states of Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan since 1979, while climate change seems to have had little impact.
While a focus on climate is warranted, Kucharik cautions scientists not to lose sight of the role of human decision-making and management practices. His study suggests seeds engineered to endure the colder and wetter soils of early spring have likely allowed northern farmers to adopt longer-season -- and higher-yield -- hybrids.
The research appears in the Agronomy Journal.
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