Rootless Corn

Causes

• Shallow plant depth
• Open seed slice with dry soils
• Compaction below the seed

Results

• Lack of moisture at shallow depths doesn’t trigger nodal roots to emerge
• Without nodal roots to anchor the plant, plants fall over
• Can cause plants to wilt and die if hot dry weather persists

Tomahawk Roots

Causes

• Wet planting Conditions and/or Too heavy down pressure at planting leading to sidewall compaction

Results

• Wilting plants during hot/dry weather from compromised root systems
• Lack of overall plant growth from reduced nutrient uptake
• Uneven Plant Development From Plant to Plant
• Yield Loss

Management Practices to Prevent These Issues

• Plant at minimum 1.75” Deep
• Avoid Planting in wet conditions and make sure closing wheels are crumbling the seed slice sidewalls
• Adjust down pressure to match field conditions