Tillage System × Planting Date Interactions in Corn Production1

Abstract Little information is available concerning the effect of no‐tillage (NT) production on development of corn (Zea mays L.) through harvest, or on appropriate planting dates for NT corn. In this study, NT and conventional tillage (CT) (moldboard plow) corn were planted on a series of planting dates over a 3‐year period, on a moderately well‐drained Canfield silt loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Aquic Fragiudalfs) located at Wooster, Ohio. Under these conditions, tillage system had no effect on development or yield when data were averaged over 3 years. However, CT corn often silked earlier than NT corn under cooler conditions and yielded more in a wetter than normal year. No‐tillage corn silked earlier and yielded more than CT corn in a drier than normal year. Later silking did not result in wetter grain at harvest in NT corn, but often did so in CT corn. Date of planting had the same effect on yield in both tillage treatments.