North Carolina State University


Recommendations for Corn


 
Jan. 1 – Mar. 15
Fallow
12 – 18
Minimize drainage outflow and encourage denitrification.

 
 
Mar. 15 – Apr. 15
Tillage, corn seedbed preparation, planting
30 – 36
Just deep enough to provide trafficability and good conditions for seedbed preparation.

 
 
Apr. 15 – May 15
Corn establishment, early growth
24 – 30
Deep enough to promote good early growth root development

 
May 15 – Aug. 15
Corn development and maturity
18 – 24
Temporary adjustment during wet periods

 
 
Aug. 15 – Oct. 15
Harvesting
30 – 36
Lower enough to provide trafficability

 
 

a Values shown are the control setting (depth below average surface elevation) and should not be considered the actual water table depth in the field, which will be lower except during drainage periods.

b Most adjustments are related to trafficability and must take into account weather conditions and soil water status at the time:

  – in an unusually dry season, control can be 3 to 6 inches higher;

  – in an unusually wet season, control should be 3 to 6 inches lower;

  – in coarse-textured soils, trafficability can be provided with the water table approximately 6 inches higher.