Corn is one of the most popular crops in Russia. But due to unfavorable weather conditions and the development of various diseases, yields decrease. Corn is a heat-loving crop that needs a certain amount of mineral nutrition.
Lack of nutrients leads to leaf necrosis, stunted growth and development, a significant reduction in the quality and quantity of the crop.
The study of information about the peculiarities of corn development in different phases and the existing risks allows increasing the plant’s resistance to the influence of adverse environmental factors, including cold weather, as well as enhancing immunity to common pests.
Maize growth and development phases
In corn there are several subsequent phases of growth and development. Their duration depends on the particular variety of plant, weather conditions, and fertilizer application.
Phases of corn development and growth:
- The beginning and emergence of seedlings. At this stage, the above-ground mass builds up and at the same time the root system grows, which requires active consumption of nutrients. In the phase of 2-3 leaves, the differentiation of the stem rudiment occurs. This period is considered critical, which can affect the quality of the crop in the future.
- Emergence of panicles. During this period, there is an active growth of the aboveground mass. The panicles appear during the 4-11 leaf phase, depending on the particular cultivar.
- Flowering of the cob with the appearance of threads. Lack of mineral nutrition during this period leads to a decrease in earliness and total yield. After the flowering period is over, the corn stops growing in height and the plant moves on to the next stage of development.
- The milky state of the grain. Biomass builds up, which absorbs more than 70% of organic matter.
- Milk-wax condition of the grain and wax maturity. At this stage of development, the maximum amount of dry matter is observed.
- Full ripeness of corn.
The importance of minerals and signs of their deficiency
Mineral absorption during corn growth is uneven. This should be taken into account when making root and foliar feedings.
More than 70% of potassium is consumed from the soil during the first growing season. Therefore, this substance should be introduced with fertilizer even before sowing. In potassium deficiency, the necrotic process takes over the marginal parts of the leaf plate. But this can be avoided with the timely use of fertilizer. Active consumption of potassium is observed at the beginning of hatching, when corn absorbs up to 90% of this chemical element. The rest of the nutrients are absorbed mainly in the period between the phase of chick throwing to the milk grain ripeness.
For the development of a strong root system and the proper formation of the cob before sowing, it is also necessary to fertilize the soil with phosphorus or use organo-chelate complex fertilizers for pre-sowing treatment (dressing) of seeds. Corn also takes nitrogen from the soil. Deficiency of this substance leads to necrosis, which starts from the central vein and goes to the base of the leaf.
Maximum nitrogen demand is observed during the formation of panicles. During the establishment of future inflorescences, in the phase of 8-10 leaves, the need for phosphorus application increases. The lack of this substance is manifested by low drought tolerance of plants, slowing down the rate of cob formation and a decrease in yield.
Feedings can also include boron, which promotes proper and timely formation of pollen tubes. Such fertilization can be done with Mono Bor fertilizer (more about this fertilizer in the article “Mono Bor”). And corn needs an adequate intake of zinc for proper phosphorus absorption. Mono Zinc fertilizer is used for this (more information about this fertilizer in the article “Mono Zinc”).
Peculiarities and problems of corn nutrition
Corn needs regular application of nutrients. They are applied both in the soil and on the leaf surface, conducting leaf feeding of the plant during the active period of vegetation. The use of chelated fertilizers is recommended. Fertilizers in chelate form are not only convenient to use due to the liquid state, but also very effective. The substances they contain act as growth stimulants and protect plants from external and internal adverse environmental factors.
Organochelates prevent the spread of many diseases. Pests dangerous to corn are the stem moth, the moth, the grain fly, and the cicada.
At the company ” Zoloto Poley” you can order organochelate complex, mono fertilizers and mono plus fertilizers for various crops. The company’s specialists create products for farmland using unique raw materials and technology. Helate mono-fertilizers, complex fertilizers, as well as organic fertilizers are used in accordance with the instructions. Research it before applying the fertilizer.
You can order complex fertilizers, mono fertilizers, mono plus fertilizers and organic fertilizers for foliar feeding of corn and get detailed information about the products of the company ” Zoloto Poley” and agro-consultation from the managers of the department of agricultural support by calling *26-01 (free call in Russia).
