A MODEL TO ESTIMATE THE TIME TO EMERGENCE FOR CORN UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

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Abstract
A computer simulation model was used to estimate the time to emergence of corn under field conditions. The mathematical equations used in the model were developed from a previous controlled environment study. Daily emergence rates were calculated as a function of daily maximum-minimum seed depth soil temperature and soil moisture on soil types from sands to heavy clays. Initially, calculated emergence rates were significantly greater than actual emergence rates. The model assumed a square wave temperature-time relationship whereas the actual temperature curve follows a sine function. When calculating emergence rates the error involved using this assumption was minimal when the base temperature for emergence was less than the minimum daily soil temperature. However, under cooler conditions when the base temperature approached the maximum daily soil temperature, the emergence rates were substantially overestimated. When this error was corrected, the model accurately estimated the time to emergence for field corn. Key words: Corn emergence, field, moisture, temperature