Some disadvantages include the current lack of narrow row equipment, the cost of converting or replacing current equipment, and the challenge of doing field operations after the corn has emerged. During the past 5 to 8 years, silage research has been performed in several northern states. Penn State University researchers documented a 10 percent silage yield increase with narrow rows compared to conventional row spacings. Silage yields were increased by 8.2 percent with 15-inch rows and 4.7 percent with 22 inch rows compared to 30 inch row spacings. Results Narrow row corn silage research results from five locations around Wisconsin are presented in Table 1.
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.