A few members may be particularly good for answering this question.
Last year I had a problem with my corn releasing pollen before the silks were out, or out far enough. Not only did my plants seem to get to the pollination stage at different times, but the individual plants timing even seemed to be off. The result was many ears that were not fully developed, some only about 2 or 3 inches of ripe kernels. Any ideas as to why this happened?
I planted 121 stalks in a 11x11 foot square. I was very close to 100% germination I think. Water was about average. I did add blood meal to the soil that year, but I doubt that's what did it. I ended up trying to pollinate a lot of them myself, but it's tough. You all know how easily pollen disperses from a corn tassle as soon as you touch it.
I also planted a little earlier this past year, following the phenological indicators in my area. Everything seemed to sprout in a timely fashion.
Any thoughts? I'd like to avoid the same outcome this year.