In New York, a 5 percent yield advantage was seen with 15 versus 30 inch rows in a multi-year trial. Penn State University researchers documented a 10 percent silage yield increase with narrow rows compared to conventional row spacings. Silage yields were increased by 12.8 percent with 15 inch rows and 10.2 percent with 22 inch rows compared to 30 inch row spacings. Results Narrow row corn silage research results from several locations around Wisconsin are presented in Table 1. At each location, corn was planted in 30 inch rows and either 15 or 20 inch rows.
All trials represent data from replicated field plots.
There are likely some hybrid differences in terms of response to narrow row spacings, however, not enough information is known to date for making specific recommendations. It would appear that at least some positive corn silage yield response might be expected from growing corn in narrow rows. When sifting through the narrow row information, costs must be weighed against potential yield benefits. For some, modifying existing corn planters may be done without a large capital outlay. For others, it may mean purchasing new equipment at a much higher cost.