By Scout Nelson
As corn and soybean crops continue emerging across fields, assessing stand count becomes essential. Accurate stand counts help improve yield potential, guide replant decisions, and increase efficiency of input use.
“An accurate stand count also helps identify areas of the field with poor emergence or gaps due to inaccuracies in the planter or soil crusting issues, enabling timely replanting or management decisions.”
Manual Methods
One effective method is the 1/1000th Acre Method, where the number of plants in a measured row segment is counted. For corn with 30-inch spacing, measure 17 feet 5 inches and count the plants. Repeat this across four to five spots, average the count, and multiply by 1,000.
A quicker method is the Stick Method, which uses a pre-measured 4-foot stick for corn and a 2-foot stick for soybeans. Place the stick along a row, count plants, and refer to a population chart.
Mobile Apps
Apps like Ag PhD Planting Population Calculator help simplify stand counts. Enter the row width and number of plants; the app calculates plants per acre. Phones can also be used to measure row distances.
Drone Technology
High-resolution drones can accurately assess stand counts. Fly a drone over representative field areas and process the imagery using software like Pix4D or Drone Deploy. Machine learning tools can then identify plants and rows for accurate population estimates.
Why It Matters
Low stand counts can reduce yield and require adjustments in nitrogen application using tools like the UNL Corn N Calculator. Understanding the difference between seeding rate and actual stand can improve planting efficiency and save input costs in future seasons.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans