Avoiding Lodged Corn

By Kiersten Wise

Corn harvest is well underway in western Kentucky, but as the rest of the state begins to harvest, farmers need to be aware of potential lodging issues. Pockets of fields scouted across the state show pre-harvest lodging and/or stalk strength tests have indicated a high potential for lodging to occur (Figure 1). It is important to identify fields that may have stalk rot issues or lodging potential to ensure timely harvest and minimize the impact of downed corn.

Possible Causes of Lodging

While stalk rot diseases can cause lodging, abiotic factors such as drought stress, nutrient deficiencies, and other stresses experienced in 2025 have contributed significantly to this year’s lodging issues.