The Effects of Precipitation on Corn Yields

HypothesisCorn Yields are affected by the amount of precipitation.

Variable Factors may have an affect on corn yields.

Insufficient precipitation may lead to lower corn yields.

Experiment Process1. Form hypothesis

2. Decide contributing factors3. Plot location of experiment 4. Observe plot and corn crop in

plot5. Research data from previous

years in each field6. Research average precipitation

in Bates Co. for each of those years

7. Make conclusion based on data

FactorsControlledSeed VarietyFertilizerSoil Type

VariablePrecipitationIntervals of

PrecipitationTemperature

sPlanting

DatesHarvesting

Datesinsects

Corn FieldNorth Field: T39N-R29W-S30-SE1/8 (80 Acres)

Zumbrunnen Field: T39N-R30W-S34-NE1/4 of the SE1/4 (40 Acres)

Sum of All Fields: T39: R29, R30

Corn Yields

North Zumbrunnen Overall0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160135

150137

116

143135

99

136 133

45

75 692004200720102012

Good and BadGood Corn

Cob Bad Corn Cob

Precipitation

April May June July Aug Sept0

2

4

6

8

10

12

2004200720102012

Corn Yields and Total Precipitation

2004 2007 2010 20122004 2007 2010 20120

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

051015202530354045

135

11699

45

150 143 136

75

137 135 133

69NorthZumbrunnenOverallTotal Precipitation

Conclusions Derived from DataCorn Yields are affected by the

amount of precipitation.Insufficient precipitation does

lead to lower corn yields.Variable factors do have affect

on corn yields.Additional Conclusion: Excess

precipitation also leads to lower corn yields.

Works CitedNational Agricultural

Statistics Service http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics by State/Missouri/Publications/Weather/Data/

http://www.asgrowanddekalb.com/products/corn/Pages/drought.aspx

Seed Variety

Proved to produce higher yields during drought than  Pioneer Optimum AQUAmax corn hybrids

Potash- form of potassium

Phosphate- form of phosphorus

Anhydrous Ammonia- form of nitrate

Fertilizer