5 reasons not to leave corn in the field for the winter

Every year several hundred thousand hectares of corn remain in the field due to the lack of harvesting capacity in Ukraine. The crops have to be harvested as early as March. What is the result of such an attempt to save money on harvesting equipment?

First. When average daily air temperature goes down to 5 - 6 °С and relative humidity goes up to 80 - 90% moisture output of corn grain almost stops. Moreover, due to moisture absorption, grain moisture content may increase by 1.5 - 2.5%. Significant physical and physiological changes take place in overmoistened grain. In particular, breathing intensity increases, which consumes dry matter, and as a result grain weight decreases by 8-12%.

Second. Optimal timing of corn harvesting is violated. Because of it losses at threshing crop significantly increase and make up more than 10%. Negative influence of overstaying is intensified by alternation of frost and thaw, icing of plants with ice.

Third. By harvesting corn in October-November when air temperatures are still relatively high, we spend at least 10% less energy drying the grain. In contrast, corn harvested in February or early March will be dried at lower ambient temperatures, which will significantly increase fuel consumption.

Fourth. Frozen grain with higher humidity after harvesting will be significantly affected by various pathogens. Its storage time will be much shorter, and the realization of such crops will be complicated, up to complete rejection of the batch of grain.

Fifth. Corn stubble residues embedded in the soil in spring will take much longer to decompose, actively withdrawing nitrogen in the soil. In addition, to incorporate them into the soil will require the use of powerful tillage machines, which will increase moisture loss in the spring. Consequently, it will be much more difficult for the plants sown in this field to develop.

It is possible to calculate direct and indirect financial losses from leaving corn in the field until spring at least approximately. They could be avoided by saturating the fleet of harvesting equipment of the farm with an additional combine with a wide-cut harvester for corn harvesting, or at least by using the services of hired machinery.