The ideal planting depth for corn is 1.75 - 2.25 inches deep.The reason for this is that planting depth can vary by as much as 1/2 - 3/4 inch within the row due to field contour, the influence of soil drainage on seedbed particle size , percent residue cover, the bounce of the planter due planter speed and the lack of consistent seed placement in the seed trench furrow due to inappropriate planter levelness and bushing wear in both the parallel linkage arms and depth gauge wheels.Planting at least 1.75 inches in depth helps ensure that all seed will be positioned at least 1.25 inches deep and hopefully into moisture.Seed placed less than an inch deep can be more susceptible to seedbed dessication, greater damage from chemical and fertilizer injury, leafing out underground caused by wider swing temperature fluctuations, animal and bird damage as well as rootless corn syndrome.Every planter tractor cab or planter tractor tool box needs to be armed with at least one seed depth finder.