fieldcorn

Vermont Corn Trials Highlight Better Non-GMO Yields, Crop Rotations over GMOs

Non-GMO short-and long-season varieties finish in top 10 in terms of yields and quality; diversified rotation, not GM trait, has greater impact on yield and soil health

University of Vermont (UVM) field trials of short- and long-season corn found that non-GMO seed varieties performed as well as or even better than some genetically modified varieties. A cropping system trial found that corn grown in a diversified crop rotation produced higher yields and better soil quality than corn grown continuously year after year.

June 28, 2015 | Source: The Organic & Non-GMO Report | by Ken Roseboro

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Non-GMO short-and long-season varieties finish in top 10 in terms of yields and quality; diversified rotation, not GM trait, has greater impact on yield and soil health

University of Vermont (UVM) field trials of short- and long-season corn found that non-GMO seed varieties performed as well as or even better than some genetically modified varieties. A cropping system trial found that corn grown in a diversified crop rotation produced higher yields and better soil quality than corn grown continuously year after year.

Trials conducted to evaluate corn varieties

The UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team evaluated yield and quality of both short- and long-season corn silage seed varieties and the impact of corn cropping systems on the overall health and productivity of the crop and soil. The trials were conducted at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT.

Short-season corn, which matures in 77-95 days, is grown in Vermont’s cooler climate, which has fewer growing days. By growing a short-season corn variety, farmers have more time in the fall to prepare their soil for winter by applying manure and planting cover crops. This helps minimize nutrient and soil losses.

Long-season corn, which matures in 95-112 days, can be difficult to grow in Vermont’s cooler climate with its fewer growing days. However, on many farms, long season corn can produce higher yields and quality than many short season varieties.

The corn cropping system trial evaluated yield and soil health of five different corn rotations: continuous corn, no-till, corn planted after perennial forage, corn planted after a cover crop of winter rye, and a perennial forage fescue.

The UVM team was comprised of extension agronomist Dr. Heather Darby and extension crops and soils technicians Sara Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan, and Julian Post.

UVM, along with other major agricultural universities, conducts the trials as a service to farmers and seed companies, allowing them to have unbiased replicated data that evaluates seed varieties from a range of seed companies.

Seed companies adding non-GMO varieties

UVM’s trials included non-GMO corn varieties. According to Darby, there have been fewer non-GMO seed varieties in university trials in recent years, but that may be changing.

“Over the last few years farmers have been requesting non-GMO varieties, and companies are starting to add more to their lineups,” Darby said.

Of 29 corn varieties grown in the short-season trial, four were non-GMO and the rest were GMO. The non-GMO seeds were submitted by Prairie Hybrids, Seedway, and Albert Lea Seeds.

Of 45 varieties grown in the long-season trial, 13 were non-GMO and submitted by the same three companies. The GMO varieties were submitted by DeKalb, Mycogen, Pioneer Hi-Bred, T.A. Seeds, and Syngenta.