Strong winds combined with heavy rains can push corn (Zea mays L.) plants over and pull roots part way out of the soil. Weather events that bring these conditions are becoming more frequent in occurrence in the midwestern United States. Yield losses due to root lodging have been related to partial loss of root activity and reduced light interception, but also may stem from affected pollination and kernel fill. A field study was conducted in Ohio from 2018 to 2020 that simulated root lodging from strong winds imposed at V10, V13–14, VT–R1, or R3 growth stages in three modern hybrids. Plants were pushed perpendicular to row direction at the specified stage following natural rain or irrigation events. Differences in hybrids were recorded in this study, but each hybrid exhibited a similar response to lodging (hybrid × lodging interaction was not evident). Yield was reduced by 5, 22, 43, and 33% compared to non‐lodged control at V10, V13–14, VT–R1, and R3, respectively. Light interception in the upper canopy decreased when measured at R4 if lodged previously, and was of greater magnitude as lodging occurred later in the season. Poor pollination contributed to the large yield loss at VT–R1. In addition to reduced yield, increased vivipary and decreased kernel weights in the R3 treatments could further reduce grain quality. These yield losses from this study are greater than have been reported previously, and should be considered when assessing fields for severe wind damage in the future.

Current planting depth recommendations for corn (Zea mays L.) producers range from 38 to 51 mm in the midwestern United States. Characterization of emergence and soil conditions at a range of depths under later‐planted scenarios is important as days adequate for field work in April have been reducing and may affect planting dates. Field studies were conducted in Ohio from 2017 to 2019 to determine the effects of planting depth and soil type on emergence, growth, and grain yield. The research was conducted in two soil types (Strawn–Crosby or Kokomo) using a randomized complete block design with four replications targeting three planting depths (25, 51, and 76 mm). Sensors were installed at the depth of seeding to measure soil moisture and temperature during the emergence period. Plants were harvested to assess growth at V3 and yield at R6. Seeds targeted at 25‐mm depth resulted in the shortest time to 10% emerged but had the least uniform emergence (longest time from 10–90% emerged) compared to the 51 and 76 mm targeted depths. Shallow planting depth also correlated to fewer leaves per plant and fewer kernels produced per plant. Emergence 7 d or 86 soil accumulated growing degree units (sGDU) after planting across fields resulted in a per plant yield reduction of 5% per day or 0.6% per sGDU, respectively. In the Strawn–Crosby field, plot yields did not differ between planting depths; in the Kokomo field yields increased by 8 or 10% when planting at 51 and 76 mm, respectively, as compared to 25 mm. Planting depth adjustments can enhance crop performance, though grain yield responses may differ by soil type.

Long‐term weather patterns (environmental conditions or stresses exceeding 10 days in length) have the potential to influence corn (Zea mays L.) growth, development, and yield. This review summarizes the current knowledge (with emphasis placed on the Midwestern U.S. production environment) on how long‐term weather conditions affect corn growth and yield, including (i) drought and heat stress, (ii) solar radiation, and (iii) distribution of heat unit accumulation during the season. Each section contains summaries of how these environmental factors influence corn growth and yield and provides context into past events experienced. The focus of the review is on dent corn grown for grain production, though relevant issues related to other types (i.e., silage corn) are included. This review also discusses agronomic recommendations or considerations to help alleviate the negative effects of stress conditions and identify areas where future research would be beneficial to continue improving the resiliency of corn cropping systems. Periods of high heat and water deficit as well as limited light availability challenge the ability to maximize yield production in corn. Temperature affects crop growth and development through the season, and accurately describing phenological progression using heat unit accumulation is a challenge. Advances in corn breeding and genetics, hybrid selection, and agronomic management practices will be key to ensuring long‐range productivity and fully leveraging possible benefits from the shifts in long‐range weather patterns.

Adverse weather conditions from acute events (e.g., storms causing lodging, flooding, or hail) or short‐duration weather patterns (i.e., periods of cold events; extended waterlogged field conditions) can result in yield losses, though management practices may play key roles in aiding with crop recovery or avoidance of these stress events. This review summarizes current knowledge (with emphasis placed on the US Midwest) related to corn response to short‐term weather stresses of (i) cold temperature, (ii) excess water, (iii) hail/defoliation damage, and (iv) wind damage. Each section presents summaries of how corn growth and yield are affected, provides context into past events experienced, identifies agronomic or production recommendations to correct or alleviate the stress condition, and proposes areas where future research is needed. This review also highlights challenges associated with controlled simulation work on these stressors, and also identifies key areas to expand future research efforts. In general, yield losses associated with strong storms and short‐term weather events often ranged from 5% to 35%, but extreme cases could result in up to 80%–100% yield loss. Much of the literature on these topics was published prior to 1995, though it still forms the basis for modern agronomic guidance, which is problematic given the changes in agriculture in the last 20 years in management practices, available genetics and technologies, and changing environmental conditions. Revisiting these foundational studies and expanding them to examine current and future weather conditions are critical for better informing agronomic recommendations, for devising mitigation strategies, and for determining accurate yield loss expectations following these stresses.