In theory, corn should be grown in rows less than 30 inches apart. That's because in narrower rows the plants are farther apart within the row and, therefore, compete less with each other for light, water, and nutrients. Equidistant planting would seem ideal. In reality, however, there usually isn't much yield difference between 30-inch rows and narrower rows except in the northern Corn Belt and in other regions when fertility or water are in short supply. "Narrow rows may be most beneficial where canopy development and yield are challenged by marginal soils or climates," says Purdue University agronomist Bob Nielsen. He offers five examples.
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