These plots consisted of uniformly planted plots on three separate dates and also included various combinations of plots were certain fractions of the plants were planted later to simulate delayed emergence. Uniform emergence in dry soils requires frequent checking of the planting depth, ensuring that the seed trench is being opened cleanly, and keeping planter unit bounce to a minimum so as to avoid seeds that get improperly placed. Some research has indicated that potassium fertility levels play a part in the corn plants ability to withstand drought stress. Heading into a dry season you might consider increasing K fertility on those fields that have lower soil test levels. Be careful, however, if you are banding potassium that you stay within the safe concentration limits.
Dry weather can also lead to increased risk of fertilizer injury on the corn seedling.
Growers using liquid fertilizers placed on the seed should also take a moment in dry planting conditions to ensure that the product and the rate are safe. Depending on how convinced you are that we are indeed headed into a droughty season you may consider lowering your plant population goals. If rainfall becomes the dominate limitation to corn yield and if you suspect some of your fields as being particularly drought prone then final stands of 26,000 to 27,000 plants per acre will probably give you all the yield that final stands of 31,000 to 32,000 would give. The effect of planting date and uniformity of emergence on corn yield. Seedlings that take a long time to emerge are most susceptible to fungal infection.