I have heard it said that the first crop of corn, following corn, is usually a low yield crop. What are the "agronomic" reasons for this? Because of N being tied up in the breakdown of the stalks from the original corn crop? But, if enough N were put down with the stalks, and the stalks turned under in the fall, would that not allow the N enough time to break down the stalks, and be released for N to the crop? What would be the case if the N were not applied until spring? Or.........is there another reason that "usually" causes first corn after corn to be a weaker crop? Reason for the questions----------I thought we put down enough additional N in fall and spring to compensate for the N that would get tied up in the breakdown process. However, our corn yields for corn after corn are not as good as I had hoped. Late planting is certainly a factor------and we did not plant until first of June............but, we have not planted until then for about 3 years running........so, comparatively, ought to be similar. Obviously, weather would have been big factor in 07----------but fields following beans held up pretty well. Thanks. |