It is well established throughout the corn-producing areas of the United States that early planting produces higher yields than late planting. The standard for determining earliest planting date is when soil temperature at planting depth is maintained at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This generally corresponds with the suggested planting dates shown in Figure 1 . Early planting produces higher yields for many reason. The major reason for planting early is to avoid environmental stresses, primarily water and temperature.
Corn requires the greatest amount of water during silking.
Mississippi studies indicate corn requires about 1.5 inches of water per week during the peak growing period. Rainfall is normally insufficient to meet this requirement. When rainfall is insufficient, good yields depend on water stored in the soil. This is why early plant development and the water-holding capacity of the soil are so important. Corn pollinating in late May and June will have a better moisture relationship in most years than will corn flowering in July and August.