What is Skip-Row Planting?

• Skip-row planting is a way to plant cornfields that helps conserve water during important pollination periods, states Vigil et al. Skip-row planting methods literally skip one or more rows between planted rows of corn in an attempt to store ground water for later use to increase pollination and thus plant production.
  
  

Skip-Row Methods

• Vigil et al tested three methods of skip-row planting: plant two rows skip two rows--P2S2--plant one skip one--P1S1--and plant two skip one--P2S1. Different methods were planted and groundwater measurements were recorded. The test revealed interesting findings relating to both the amount of groundwater saved through skip-row planting and crop yield.
  
  

Water Conserved

• Both P2S2 and P1S1 methods tested well through soil water tests. Both methods conserved a sufficient amount of water for plant use during the pollination stage, reports Vigil et al. Interestingly P2S2 fields conserved more water than P1S1 during the overall test. This suggests that P2S2 fields may weather drought resistance better than P1S1, but further tests would need performed.
  
  

Crop Yield

• The average crop yield enhancement for the fields tested in P2S2 and P1S1 skip-row planting methods was 12 bushels over conventional test fields. Crop yield increases typically manifested best in fields that tested poorly with conventional methods, states Vigil et al. Fields involved were randomly tested over a three year period, and results reported similarly each year.
  
  

Residue Mulch for Soil Health and Crop Protection

• The biggest concern in skip-row planting is weed management. Sorenson reports that wheat straw residue that is not finely chopped--such as wheat harvested with a stripper header--is excellent mulch for skip-row planting. Wheat straw residue and similar residue mulches will significantly reduce weed growth and soil moisture evaporation in skip-row planted fields.