Key Points
- Potential yield, the maximum yield that can be achieved, is driven by a number of factors. Radiation interception drives biomass (yield). Temperature drives development (rate of maturity).
- Radiation changes over the year and peaks around Christmas. Where practical, growers should aim to plant so their crops have maximum leaf are a on the day of maximum radiation.
- High plant population and high yield normally go hand in hand, but check for site constraints or crop quality requirements before increasing populations.
- Check planter opertion and seed bed conditions to minimise plants pacing variability.
- There does not appear to be any yield advantage to narrower rows.