Fertilizer for corn
Just like any other crop, corn needs a significant amount of useful nutrients. It is necessary to carefully consider the issue of choosing soil - corn does not tolerate an acidic environment, so the soil must be limed. Among other things, corn needs nutrition throughout the growing season. However, the flowering period is the most important, because... requires obtaining the greatest amount of useful substances.
Corn needs different fertilizers depending on the growth phase of development. Properly selected fertilizer allows corn to grow well and protects it from various diseases. Manure, humus or other complex additives that can be purchased in specialized stores can be used as fertilizers.
Deficiency and excess of microelements
It happens that after applying fertilizers, the corn withers, changes color, etc. This indicates that the plant still lacks nutrients (perhaps the soil is poorer than the gardener expected).
Signs of micronutrient deficiency:
- Nitrogen . Corn foliage is turning yellow. The color begins to change from the ends of the leaves.
- Phosphorus. The deficiency is especially noticeable on young plants. The leaves take on a purple color.
- Potassium. The symptoms are similar to nitrogen starvation. In the case of potassium, the leaves begin to turn yellow from the tips and reach the base. Eventually they turn brown. The lower leaves suffer.
- Sulfur. The foliage becomes striped.
- Zinc. On each element of the plant a whitish stripe forms on both sides from the middle to the tip.
Additional fertilization will help overcome troubles. In the case of a lack of nitrogen, it is best to use ammonia water (dissolve 0.5 kg of the substance in 10 liters of water).
Sulfur deficiency does not require supplementation. When the soil warms up to the optimal temperature, the level of the substance will increase significantly.
In addition to the above, the vegetable grower should be alert to the following signs:
- the stem becomes thinner;
- the soil around the plant quickly forms a crust;
- sprouts become light or yellow.
All this indicates a lack of organic substances. The problem is eliminated by adding mullein.
Unreasonable application of fertilizers can cause an excess of microelements. The main signs of oversaturation:
- slow growth;
- root rotting;
- brown spots on the foliage.
Ways to troubleshoot:
- Check the pH level. It should vary from 5.5 to 6.5. With such indicators, the plant is able to absorb all elements. If there is a discrepancy, use alkali to increase the acidity or compost to reduce it.
- Add additives according to directions.
- Do not use different fertilizers with the same components at the same time.
Nutritional Features
Corn has a well-developed root system. This is necessary so that corn can receive nutrients in sufficient quantities at any stage of growth. However, if corn grows on relatively poor soils, it is almost impossible to get a good harvest without the use of additional fertilizers.
However, it is necessary to use fertilizers wisely and according to a certain pattern - you cannot use all fertilizers at once, this will not give a positive result. They must be introduced gradually. It is also worth paying attention to the quantity and proportion of each nutrient element when feeding - an excess of any one substance can cause no less harm than its deficiency. During the first month of development, corn does not need much fertilizer, but over time this need increases, reaching a peak during flowering.
Foliar feeding of corn
Foliar feeding involves irrigating the leaves and stalk of corn. During the first stage of growth, plants often experience zinc deficiency, which can be identified by the following signs:
- slow growth;
- drying of leaves from the bottom of the stem;
- internodes are too short;
- young leaves become yellowish.
If the zinc deficiency is not corrected in time, this may negatively affect the quality of the cobs. You can improve the situation with the help of foliar fertilizing; it is recommended to use the following zinc fertilizers for corn:
- zinc sulfate;
- NANITE Zn;
- ADOB Zn II IDHA.
What fertilizers can be used to grow corn?
The "standard" nutrients for corn are:
- Potassium;
- Nitrogen;
- Phosphorus oxide;
- Magnesium;
- Zinc;
- Sulfur;
- Bor
During the flowering period (especially during the release of panicles), the need for fertilizer increases greatly, and corn absorbs at least 70% of all useful substances from the total amount. The most suitable option is a mineral-organic mixture. The optimal fertilizers for corn are:
- urea;
- potassium chloride;
- potassium salt;
- superphosphate;
- zinc sulfate;
- manure;
- ammonium sulfate;
- CAS;
- ammophos.
Fertilizers must be used before sowing corn. An excellent option is manure, which is spread on the ground. On average, it is necessary to use from 20 to 80 tons of manure per hectare of land (or 200-800 kg per hundred square meters). It depends on the quality and condition of the soil. The more fertile the land, the less fertilizer it requires. Conversely, dry and nutrient-poor soils require more fertilizer. So, for example, the “forest” type of soil requires about 20-40 t/ha, and fertile soil needs only 15-25 t/ha. Among other things, the amount of nutrients may vary depending on the desired crop. If additional substances are not used, then every 30 t/ha can increase the yield to 5-10 c/ha.
Another option is a manure-free layer, but in this case the nitrogen content should not exceed 2 c/ha.
Rules for applying fertilizers for corn
Additionally, several general rules should be noted according to which it is recommended to apply fertilizers to the soil when feeding corn:
- Potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are usually applied together - this way the plantings better absorb mineral compounds. If you add potassium and phosphorus separately, the corn nutrition process slows down.
- You cannot feed corn only with organic matter or exclusively with mineral compounds. It is necessary to alternate organic fertilizers with mineral ones.
- Beginning gardeners usually feed corn with nitrogen, but sometimes neglect potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. This is strictly forbidden - corn without these mineral components will absorb moisture worse and form green mass. The formation of caryopses can also be delayed under conditions of phosphorus deficiency.
- The rate of mineral fertilizers applied to the soil depends on the type of soil, however, on average, about 90 kg of nitrogen, 80 kg of phosphorus and 70 kg of potassium are consumed per 1 hectare.
- On acidic soils, corn bears fruit extremely poorly. The acidity of the soil can be reduced by liming - for this, dolomite flour is added to the soil, which additionally acts as a magnesium supplement.
- On sandy soils, there is a deficiency of boron, so an area with this type of soil is dug up and fertilizer is applied to the ground in a proportion of 2 kg per 1 hectare.
- Manganese deficiency occurs on alkaline soils. The composition is adjusted using manganese sulfate, which is applied at the rate of 10 kg per 1 ha.
Important! The use of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers increases the crop's resistance to many diseases. In particular, plantings are much less likely to develop rust.
Types of fertilizers
The following fertilizers can be used for growing corn:
- Zeromix is a modern liquid complex microfertilizer;
- Mineral supplements;
- Fertilizers based on potassium and phosphorus;
- Fertilizers with nitrogen composition;
- Organic
These substances allow corn to withstand sudden temperature changes, having a positive effect on yield. The optimal amount of sulfur in the soil allows you to produce more protein; boron and copper help produce sugary substances. Unfavorable weather conditions can cause phosphorus to be poorly absorbed. To prevent such problems, the method of chemical reclamation of acidic soils is used.
Macro and microelements in corn nutrition
The root system of maize occupies a large area of land. Due to this, the stems of the crop are actively saturated with essential microelements.
The absorption of substances by the plant occurs quickly. To ensure intensive growth and fruiting for corn, it is necessary to apply the necessary fertilizers to the crop in a timely manner.
The feeding process must be planned and carried out systematically.
It needs the following elements:
- Nitrogen . A high need arises during the development of reproductive organs.
- Phosphorus. It is applied during the formation of roots and during flowering.
- Zinc . The element is necessary to develop resistance to temperature changes.
- Potassium. The main task of the mineral is the distribution of moisture.
- Boron and copper. Stimulates the production of ascorbic acid and glucose.
- Manganese and magnesium. Responsible for harvest volumes.
Zeromix is a unique drug
Not every farm has only fertile and nutrient-rich soil at its disposal. Unfortunately, corn is a rather fastidious plant that can die without proper care and necessary fertilizing. To obtain a high and high-quality harvest, it is necessary to use a special preparation for corn, Zeromix, which will help not only enhance growth, but also prevent possible diseases.
Zeromix is a unique drug with a complex effect. The active ingredient is colloidal silver. They have been working on the development of this fertilizer since 2008, after which the drug was actively used in the cultivation of various crops. In each case, Zeromix. showed excellent results and was recognized as an effective drug that improves the condition of plants and influences their growth and, as a result, yield.
Silver in the composition has a pronounced feature - it fights harmful microorganisms that can have a negative effect on seedlings and cause various diseases. The drug "Zeromix" can be used at the earliest stages of crop development. It accelerates growth and ensures uniform seedlings. It also continues to have a positive effect at further stages of corn growth and development, protecting it from diseases and improving the condition of the root system.
Studies have shown that the use of Zeromix on the farm produces a high-quality and abundant harvest, as well as high-quality seed material for future crops.
First period
During the first period, the reproductive organs are laid down in corn. The number and size of cobs depend on the availability of food; phosphorus is especially necessary at this time. At this time, the crop has a poorly developed root system, so it needs easily accessible forms of nutrients.
The greater need for phosphorus occurs two weeks after the appearance of the first shoots . It is needed for the development of the plant's root system. It is preferable to apply phosphorus fertilizers in the fall. On light sandy soils, any form of nutrition is applied in the spring.
Methods of applying fertilizers
The rates and doses of fertilizers depend on the stage of corn growth. The manufacturer of microfertilizer Zeromix recommends adhering to the following scheme:
- Before sowing, seed treatment is carried out at the rate of 1-3 ml per kg of seeds;
- Stage 3-5 leaves - spraying leaves at the rate of 3-5 ml per hundred square meters;
- Stage 8-9 leaves - spraying leaves at the rate of 3-5 ml per hundred square meters;
It is recommended to start using fertilizer from the earliest stages of plant growth, because this will help:
- Build resistance to temperature changes;
- Minimize the negative impact of harmful microorganisms that affect the growth of corn;
- Minimize the risks of plant diseases;
More detailed information about the norms for the use of fertilizers can be found in the instructions attached to the preparation. Consistent adherence to these rules and regulations will help you obtain a rich and healthy harvest.
Fertilizer application methods
The entire technology for applying fertilizers to corn is divided into three stages:
- main - fertilizer mixtures are applied during soil preparation in the fall (spring);
- pre-sowing - nutrients are added during sowing;
- fertilizing - during the growing season.
The purpose of basic nutrition is to lay the foundation for adequate nutrition of corn. Fertilizers will be used up as the plants grow. It is recommended to apply fertilizers to the soil in the absence of irrigation for corn in the fall. Minerals added in spring provide a more noticeable increase in yield. Fertilizers must be incorporated into the soil to a depth of 10 cm. At this depth, they are well absorbed by plants.
Among nitrogen fertilizers, preference is given to ammonium fertilizers:
- ammonium nitrate;
- anhydrous ammonia;
- ammonia water.
Phosphorus is supplied using phosphorus flour and superphosphate. The choice of potash fertilizers is wide. Preference should be given to fertilizers that do not contain chlorine: potassium sulfate, magnesium.
Pre-sowing application
Pre-sowing application of fertilizers is carried out during sowing of seeds into the soil. Add small doses of superphosphate or ammophos. By introducing minerals into the row spacing to a depth of 3 cm, high crop yields are achieved. An increase in grain of 3–3.5 c/ha is noted.
When performing dotted sowing, corn is fed with superphosphate granules. Productivity increases by 4 c/ha with additional addition of small doses of potassium and nitrogen to the soil. The use of mineral fertilizers on fertile soils does not give such a noticeable effect.
The effectiveness of complex fertilizers for corn has been proven in practice. In the spring, before sowing, nitrophoska, diamofoss, and sulfoammophos are applied. Many agricultural enterprises use liquid complex fertilizers to feed corn. UAN, a urea-ammonium mixture, is in demand. Liquid fertilizers are good because they can be applied to the soil using special equipment.
Summer feeding
On poor soils and in the absence of basic nutrition, fertilizers become the main suppliers of nutrients. Nitrogen and phosphorus are applied to a depth of 6–8 cm. For their better absorption, the soil should contain a small amount of moisture. With the help of summer fertilizing, a yield increase of 3–5 c/ha is achieved.
Leaf feeding
Foliar feeding is the fastest way to deliver nitrogen to the plant. Spraying on the leaf can be carried out in the absence of symptoms of nitrogen deficiency. Carbamide (urea) is used to prepare the fertilizer mixture. Treatment with urea is combined with pesticides. For foliar feeding, urea is considered the best.
The digestibility of amide nitrogen is 90–95%. Nitrogen absorption occurs in an extremely short time.
Weather requirements during work: calm, air temperature not lower than 20 °C. Magnesium and sulfur are added to the fertilizer mixture with urea. They are well absorbed through corn leaves. The concentration of active substances in the solution should not exceed 5%.
Stronger doses may cause leaf burns. Up to 250 liters of solution are consumed per hectare. Foliar feeding with fertilizers containing copper and zinc, if a low content of these minerals is detected in the soil. Treatment is carried out in the 6-leaf phase.
Application of micro-macro-fertilizers
Micro and macro fertilizers promote the growth and development of corn. However, before use, it is necessary to calculate the correct dose. There is an approximate calculation:
- calcium – 7-10 kg;
- nitrogen – 26-31 kg;
- copper – 14 g;
- potassium – 25-35 kg;
- boron – 10-11 g.
- magnesium – 6-10 kg;
- sulfur – 4 kg;
- phosphorus – 10-15 kg;
- manganese – 100-110 g;
- zinc – 65 g;
Corn is a rather capricious plant that reacts sharply to the degree of acidity of the soil. Potassium salt and potassium chloride help solve this problem, causing nutrients to be absorbed better.
To correctly select the required dosage of fertilizers, you must rely on the type and, preferably, chemical analysis of the soil:
- Chernozem and soddy-podzolic soils require fertilizers containing nitrogen;
- Irrigated lands require fertilizers with nitrogen and potassium;
- Carbonate chernozems – phosphorus
An important point: the use of complex fertilizers is most effective 2 weeks before the intended sowing.
Types of fertilizers
In different regions, soils differ in structure, and therefore in the content of essential microelements. In the steppe black earth region, corn suffers from a lack of phosphorus and nitrogen. Pre-sowing application is not enough; they are quickly washed out of the soil and by the time flowering begins they are not enough for the full development of plants.
Throughout the season, you need to apply fertilizer to corn. They practice mineral and organic fertilizing. Organic nutrition is a priority. The modern corn fertilization system contains certain standards for applying any type of nutrient mixtures. Today the following proportions of organic matter are applied:
- chernozem lands - from 15 to 20 t/ha;
- soddy-podzolic soils - from 20 to 35 t/ha;
- gray forest lands - from 20 to 35 t/year.
See also
TOP 50 best varieties of corn with descriptions and characteristicsRead
The effect of fertilizers on the yield of a corn field is noticeable. It was noted that the application of manure in a volume of 30 kg can increase the yield by 3–10 c/ha. Manure is used to prepare an infusion; it is needed for watering corn. Infuse it for 3 to 5 days. You need to load 10 kg of mullein into a barrel and add 50 liters of water.
After 5 days the cooking process ends. Before use, mullein infusion is diluted with water: add 1 liter of water to 1 liter of concentrated liquid. There are disadvantages to using a cow:
- long thin stems;
- After watering, a crust forms on the soil.
To eliminate these shortcomings, the application rate is adjusted depending on the composition of the soil. It is recommended to apply manure to loamy soils at a dose of 30–40 t/ha in the fall before plowing . Organic matter is added to sandy soils in the spring during cultivation.
Liquid manure contains the entire range of microelements that corn needs. Its application rate is 60–80 t/ha. When applying any form of organic fertilizer (liquid, solid), it is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the field with simultaneous incorporation into the ground.
Mineral fertilizers
The use of mineral preparations has a positive effect on the harvest, increases resistance to diseases and bad weather conditions.
Nitrogen
Ammonium nitrate is used as a nitrogen fertilizer. Half the norm (50%) is applied in the spring for plowing; the second half of ammonium nitrate is used in the summer as top dressing. The first time summer feeding is carried out in the phase of the first 5 leaves, the second time - during the formation of cobs.
Nitrogen deficiency is recognized by the color of the leaves. They become thin and lose color: they turn pale and yellow. A sign of deficiency is well eliminated by ammonia. In practice, farmers and summer residents use foliar feeding of corn: ammonia water is used for this purpose.
Violation of nitrogen application standards when fertilizing corn for silage negatively affects its quality:
- the percentage of nitrates in grain increases;
- the percentage of dry matter decreases;
- cobs are formed.
Potash and phosphorus fertilizers
These types of fertilizers are applied to clay soil in the fall and to sandy soil in the spring. Phosphorus is added using special devices during sowing. Superphosphate is a classic phosphorus fertilizer that is applied to the soil. In addition to superphosphate, ammophos is widely used. The rate of application of these fertilizers to the soil is 8–12 kg/ha.
A high level of phosphorus in the soil has positive aspects:
- improves the quality of silage;
- improves cold resistance;
- accelerates the ripening of cobs.
Young plants often suffer from potassium deficiency. They have small shoots covered with dark green leaves, slow growth and the lower surface of the leaves is purple.
Under bad weather conditions (low average daily temperatures), potassium consumption by corn increases. Application of potassium fertilizers reduces stress from cold weather and increases productivity. In cobs, thanks to potassium, the percentage of sugars and starch increases, and their taste improves.
Signs of potassium deficiency:
- wavy edges of leaves;
- dark green color of the leaf blade;
- light leaf tips that turn brown over time.
In the phase of 6–7 leaves, 0.5 kg/ha of potassium fertilizers (potassium salt) is applied to corn. Potassium chloride is added during autumn plowing.
See also
Basic and pre-sowing tillage after cornRead
Application of nitrogen fertilizers
Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are useful and relevant at all stages of development. Maximum effectiveness is achieved when used in the spring, before sowing. Nitrogen can have a direct effect on obtaining a good harvest, and also allows you to significantly increase the amount of green mass (leaves, stems). Nitrogen can be used at all stages of growth, but the maximum effectiveness of this fertilizing is achieved during the formation of the regenerative organs of the plant.
Important: before use, it is necessary to correctly calculate the fertilizer application rate, because A large amount of nitrogen can lead to a decrease in calcium in the soil.
Tips from summer residents
To grow tasty corn and reap a large harvest, you should follow the advice of experienced gardeners. They highlighted their rules regarding the application of fertilizers:
- Distribute mineral fertilizing throughout the entire planting area so that the root system of all plants receives useful microelements;
- it doesn’t matter what additives you use (store-bought or folk remedies), the soil should be sufficiently moistened at the time of application;
- vary the dosage recommended by the manufacturer only to a lesser extent;
- alternate organic and mineral supplements.
Corn is a whimsical crop, but in demand by gardeners and large farmers. By using fertilizers - mineral and organic in combination - it is possible to get a good harvest. The plant should be fed at least 2 times per season. Each stage of growth requires different micronutrients.
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Use of potash and phosphate fertilizers
Phosphorus fertilizers allow you to form a strong root system and have a positive effect on plants during the flowering period. Insufficient phosphorus content in the soil can lead to slow development of all parts of the plant - from roots to leaves and flowers. Without phosphorus, the plant looks sick and weak.
To evenly distribute the liquid content in plants, potassium fertilizers are used. They help improve metabolic processes and facilitate easy absorption of nitrogen. If a plant lacks potassium, it becomes susceptible to diseases and parasitic pests; does not withstand sudden temperature changes. Plants need potassium at the initial stage of growth, before the flowering period begins and the formation of the first 5-6 leaves.
Attention: corn cobs are an excellent potassium fertilizer for small garden plots.
Features of feeding corn
At different stages of development, corn increases its need for one or another nutrient:
- At the stage of 6-8 leaves, plantings need nitrogen, which is necessary for plants to gain better green mass. A deficiency of the substance leads to the fact that the leaves and stems begin to thin and turn yellow.
- Potassium is added during the flowering period. This element promotes the formation of grains and increases the crop's resistance to drought and high temperatures.
- The need for phosphorus increases during the first stage of growth, when the first shoots break through the soil layer, and during the fruiting stage. The component is involved in the formation of the root system of plants and participates in energy metabolism.
- Without calcium, soil conductivity deteriorates and the specific density of the soil increases.
- Magnesium deficiency greatly affects crop yields. If there is little magnesium in the soil, the plant will form very small ears, and their number will be much less than expected. In addition, a lack of magnesium slows down pollination processes.
- Sulfur affects how well plants absorb nitrogen. It also affects the growth rate of corn.
- During the growing season, plantings especially need copper, boron and zinc. Zinc affects the resistance of corn to cold and the formation of cobs. They may not form at all if the plantings have not received a sufficient amount of the substance. Copper strengthens the plant's immunity. Boron deficiency causes growth retardation, ear deformation and internode shortening.
Advice! When adding mineral compounds, you must carefully study the recommendations on the packaging. Exceeding the specified norm of the substance will do more harm than good.
How to apply fertilizers correctly
Corn needs feeding during 3 stages:
- The main one is in spring or autumn before sowing. This will help improve the condition of the soil and fill the soil with useful minerals.
- Pre-sowing - during sowing. At this stage, nutrient-rich areas in the soil are formed, which are so necessary for plants at the initial stage of growth.
- Post-sowing – application of fertilizers during the growth period. If there is a deficiency of nutrients, feeding during this period allows you to replenish it.
All parts of the plant need feeding - roots, leaves, flowers, etc.
Attention: the first fertilizing is most effective in the fall, before the main tillage. But if the soil is too wet, this stage can be postponed until spring.
How to feed correctly
If, after planting in the ground, it is better to feed corn with chelated fertilizers for rapid growth, then in the future it will be necessary to select appropriate preparations of organic and mineral origin at each stage of the growing season.
Upon landing
During this period, corn fertilizer contains a lot of nitrogen. It stimulates rapid growth of greenery. Application rates - up to 20 g per 1 m2.
In summer
Organic works well. In June, as in July, manure is used. A mixture of 10 liters of water and 2 kg of cow dung is left to infuse in a warm place for 5 days. The resulting concentrate is diluted with water 1:1 and used for irrigation.
By sheet
Foliar feeding is one of the mandatory agrotechnical practices. It consists of spraying useful compounds on the leaves and stems. How to fertilize corn using this method? A popular option is a 4% urea solution (200 g of urea per 5 liters of water). You need to spray in the cool time of the day - in the morning or evening. Spraying begins from the moment of 7 leaves and over the next 3 weeks.
The choice in favor of urea is not accidental: it is absorbed by the plant by 95% in a short period. After spraying, the amount of protein in the stems and leaves increases.
Mistakes to avoid:
- incorrect dosage, when excess is worse than deficiency;
- untimely feeding, to which corn reacts sharply;
- uneven watering with nutrient solutions;
- use of fertilizers on dry soil;
- the use of several types of fertilizers at once.
Pre-sowing fertilizing
Simultaneously with sowing, basic fertilizers can be applied to the soil. This is due to the fact that at the initial stage of growth, corn has a weak root system, so it needs easily digestible nutrients containing phosphorus. Therefore, at this stage, it is justified to add superphosphate, which helps not only strengthen the root system, but also increase the future yield of corn by 3.2-3.7 c/ha. Additional application of nitrogen and potassium can increase this figure to 4.2-4.8 c/ha. Plants benefit most from nutrition when organic matter is added before planting.
Nutrients must also be added during the period of active crop growth. During this period, it is justified to use complex additives that will help saturate the soil with nutrients, which contributes to high plant productivity.
Features of organic fertilizer
In addition to mineral supplements, corn requires organic matter. Most often, liquid manure acts as a fertilizer. Top dressing is prepared from 10 kg of fresh mullein per 50 liters of water. Infuse the solution under the lid for 1 week.
Mostly the mixture is applied in the fall when preparing the soil for winter. Less often - for digging in the spring. For 1 sq. m, 7 liters of solution is enough.
Fresh manure cannot be used. The substance in its pure form can destroy the root system of a plant.
Leaf care
The use of fertilizers is also justified directly on the plant itself (its vegetative parts). These measures help increase protein and other beneficial substances in grains by up to 25%. The most effective fertilizer at this stage was urea fertilizer. The leaves must be sprayed twice - during the formation of the first 5-6 leaves and during the formation of the first ears. The advisability of using this fertilizer is reflected in yellowed leaves and weak stalks of corn. Application rate: 0.5 kg per 10 liters of water.
What to feed corn
Of the mineral fertilizers, the most popular and effective for feeding corn in the country are:
- ammonium nitrate;
- CAS;
- ammonium sulfate;
- potassium humate;
- urea.
The difficulty of using these fertilizers is determined not only by dosages, but also by external conditions: air temperature and soil moisture. While some formulations are well absorbed only in hot weather, others can only be applied to moist soil.
Fertilizing corn with saltpeter
Using ammonium nitrate, foliar feeding of corn is carried out when there is a nitrogen deficiency in the area. The first signs that the plantings do not have enough nitrogen are the leaves of the plant turning light yellow.
The recommended rate of ammonium nitrate solution for corn is 1:20 (approximately 500 g per 10 liters of water), however, such feeding will benefit the plant only if the air temperature is below +10°C. In addition, it is important that the soil is moist.
Fertilizing corn with UAS
Urea-ammonium mixture is a mineral nitrogen fertilizer, which is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and urea. This composition should be handled with extreme caution and applied to the soil sparingly - no more than 50 kg of fertilizer per 1 hectare. Excess of the substance can damage the root system of plants.
Important! UAN is applied to the soil before the first shoots appear.
Despite its effectiveness, CAS is somewhat inconvenient to use. The fact is that the substance can only be transported in securely insulated containers, and the use of the composition requires the use of special equipment.
Fertilizing corn with ammonium sulfate
Ammonium sulfate is first used to feed crops during sowing of seeds. The second time, fertilizing is carried out when 6 true leaves appear. It is recommended to combine this procedure with loosening the row spacing.
The optimal dosage is 100 kg of substance per 1 ha.
Important! The advantages of the fertilizer include its low price, and ammonium sulfate prevents the accumulation of nitrates, which also distinguishes it favorably from other mixtures. The disadvantage of fertilizer is that it acidifies the soil.
Fertilizing corn with potassium humate
Potassium humate is usually added to the soil during periods of prolonged drought and heat. Fertilizer strengthens the immune system of plants and thereby increases their resistance to adverse conditions.
The consumption rate of the substance is 1-2 liters per 1 ha. The first feeding is carried out at the stage of 3-5 leaves. The second – in 1-2 weeks.
Fertilizing corn with urea
Urea is used at the stage of 6-8 leaves, which usually occurs in the 2-3rd decade of June. In its pure form, the composition cannot be applied to the soil; first it is diluted to 4%: per 1 hectare, 4 kg of the substance must be diluted in 100 liters of water.
Additionally, you can fertilize corn with urea on the leaf during the period of cob formation.
Important! The optimal temperature regime for adding urea to the soil is in the range from +5°C to +10°C. In addition, it is better not to fertilize corn with this mixture in the fall, as heavy rains will wash nitrogen from the top layers of the soil.
Briefly about the main thing
Corn is becoming an increasingly popular agricultural crop, and the area allocated for its cultivation is increasing every year. Like any other crop, corn needs properly selected fertilizers and fertilizing. An excellent option is the drug Zeromix. As a rule, the norms for the use of fertilizers are indicated on the packaging. The same can be said about Zeromix. To get a high-quality and rich harvest, it is necessary to provide corn with all the necessary nutrients, strictly following the instructions and not violating the regulations for use.
Second period
The duration of the second period is from 17 to 20 days. At this time, intensive growth of the above-ground part of corn occurs, and most of the green mass accumulates. This is when corn needs nitrogen. Weak soil mineralization and leaching of nitrogen from the soil leads to its deficiency.
At this time, nitrogen mixtures are added. Potassium is necessary during the period of ejection of panicles, formation of flowers and ears. In chernozem soils, a deficiency of zinc is noted. When it is deficient, the amount of tryptophan and protein in the plant decreases. Beneficial effects of potassium:
- facilitates nitrogen absorption;
- improves immunity;
- makes the plant resistant to drought;
- influences the formation of cobs.
Feeding cabbage
To get a good harvest, you need to care for cabbage throughout the growing season. Feeding plays a very important role in caring for it. You should start fertilizing it while the seedlings are growing. After all, everyone knows that the yield of this useful vegetable, as well as other plants, is greatly influenced by good seedlings. Let's look at what fertilizing cabbage likes and for how long.
Feeding cabbage seedlings
For the first time, cabbage seedlings need to be fed 14 days after picking. For this feeding you need to take 25 grams of water per bucket. ammonia, 40 grams of superphosphate and 10 grams of potassium chloride. No later than 14 days later, it is necessary to carry out a second feeding, for which take 35-40 grams of ammonium nitrate per 10 liters of water.
Before planting outside, you should carry out the third feeding. To do this, you need to dissolve 30 grams of ammonium nitrate, 80 grams of superphosphate and 20 grams of potassium chloride in a bucket of water. The last feeding provides cabbage seedlings with useful substances that they will need to get used to life in new open ground conditions.
Feeding cabbage in open ground
Cabbage planted in the ground must be fed at least twice, sometimes this is done more often. The first feeding should be done 14 days after the cabbage seedlings were planted in open ground. To do this, phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium fertilizers must be taken at the rate of 200 grams of each fertilizer per hundred square meters of plantings. If before planting cabbage seedlings you fertilized the soil with organic fertilizers, then you can use urea or ammonium nitrate as the first fertilizer for cabbage.
Some gardeners first feed cabbage with chicken droppings or mullein. To do this, take half a kilogram of these fertilizers and dissolve them in a bucket of water. You need to pour 1 liter of this fertilizer onto one cabbage bush.
In the summer, at the beginning of July, cabbage is fertilized with organic substances. You can use slurry, mullein or chicken droppings for this. Moreover, if you carry out more frequent feedings, it is better
alternate organic fertilizers with mineral ones, and fertilize them no more often than once every 14 days.
In the first half of July, some gardeners fertilize cabbage with boric acid. To do this, take a teaspoon of acid per glass of boiling water. This solution is then mixed with 10 liters of cool water and sprayed onto the cabbage. Another type of cabbage feeding is brewer's yeast, which is an excellent growth stimulator for any plants. A solution is prepared from yeast and watered over the cabbage, and this should be done only when the soil is well warmed up, otherwise there will be no effect.
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Feeding after leaves appear
Feeding is advisable in the following cases:
- growing crops on light soils;
- applying fertilizers before sowing in incomplete quantities;
- crop irrigation;
- Cold Spring.
Corn responds to fertilizing during the period when 3 and 7 leaves appear. In the fields, fertilizing coincides with inter-row cultivation, so the products are sprayed using a cultivator. For the first feeding, organic matter is used. Slurry (3 t/ha) or chicken manure (4 t/ha) is suitable.
For the second, mineral fertilizers are used: 1 c/ha of ammonium nitrate and superphosphate, 0.7 c/ha of potassium salt. On light soils, additional magnesium fertilizers are used at a rate of 45-60 kg/ha.
When choosing mineral supplements, give preference to highly concentrated products. Among potash fertilizers, choose those without chlorine. There are two important periods in the development of culture. The first period is the formation of 7 leaves. The most important is phosphorus, which is added at the grain sowing stage.
In the table we offer a comparison of well-known brands of fertilizers for corn:
Criteria | "Nutrivant Plus corn" | "Nutrivant Plus grain" | "Quantum Corn" |
View | microfertilizer | microfertilizer | microfertilizer |
Purpose | improved growth and increased yield | increasing productivity and disease resistance | increased resistance to diseases, drought and frost, increased yield by 20% |
Compound: | |||
nitrogen,% | 6 | 6 | 5 |
phosphorus,% | 37 | 23 | 7 |
potassium,% | 5,4 | 35 | 9 |
sulfur,% | 1,5 | 2,5 | |
magnesium,% | 4,8 | 1 | |
manganese,% | 0,2 | 0,6 | |
zinc,% | 3,4 | 0,2 | 2,5 |
boron, % | 0,1 | 0,5 | |
copper, % | 0,2 | 1,2 | |
molybdenum,% | 0,002 | 0,012 | |
Application period | in the phase of 3-5 leaves and 6-8 leaves | in the phase of 3-5 leaves and during the formation of panicles | phase 2-4 leaves and 6-8 leaves |
Mode of application | foliar feeding | foliar feeding | foliar feeding and pre-sowing seed treatment |
Fertilizers for sowing grains
When planting grains, only mineral fertilizers are applied. Since corn sprouts have poorly developed roots, the crop needs phosphorus. It is applied in small doses directly into the soil to a depth of 3 cm. 10 kg per 1 ha is enough. With an excess of this microelement, productivity decreases.
Use regular or double superphosphate. The fertilizer application rate is 5-10 kg per 1 ha. It is also advisable to use the following fertilizers:
- ammonium nitrate;
- potassium chloride.
With the timely application of all microelements, the yield increases by 3-4 c per 1 ha. With the full introduction of organic matter and minerals in the pre-sowing period, there is no need to apply fertilizer during sowing, because there will be no increase in yield.
Planting corn in open ground
When to plant corn in the ground
Corn is planted in open ground when it can no longer be damaged by frost - in early or mid-June. Please note that lowering the air temperature to 3 ºC can slow down the growth of seedlings, even stopping completely. If the temperature drops even lower, the seedlings will die. Corn is a heat-loving plant, so the site for it should be sunny and protected from the wind.
Soil for corn
The best soil for corn is considered to be well-drained, fertile and breathable black soil, in which cabbage, potatoes, beets, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash grew before corn. You need to prepare the area for corn in the fall: you need to remove the weeds and add rotted manure for deep digging. In the spring, if the soil on the site is heavy, it is loosened by adding chopped straw or sawdust, after which the surface is leveled.
How to plant corn in open ground
In the prepared area, holes are made at a distance of 50 cm from each other and abundantly watered seedlings are planted in them using the transfer method. Try not to destroy the earthen ball, as this may cause the seedling to take root poorly. The corn planting scheme should include the characteristics of its development. It is advisable to plant seedlings not in one row, but in at least five, since otherwise problems with corn pollination may arise. It is better to leave a distance of one and a half meters between the rows - later you can plant melons in them. Plants in adjacent rows are staggered to improve photosynthesis of corn. In addition, with this planting scheme it is convenient to use a drip irrigation system.
What to plant after corn
If you fed the corn correctly during the growing season, crops such as basil, dill and sage, as well as zucchini and beets, can be grown in this area.
Corn plant - description
Sweet corn is a tall herbaceous plant, reaching a height of 3 meters or more. Corn has a well-developed fibrous root system, going 1-1.5 m deep. Supporting aerial roots can form at the lower nodes of the stem, preventing the stem from falling and supplying the plant with food and water. The stem of corn is erect, not hollow, up to 7 cm in diameter. Large linear-lanceolate leaves can reach 10 cm in width and 1 m in length. On one plant there can be from 8 to 42. Corn flowers are unisexual: the male ones are collected on the tops of the shoots into panicles, and the female ones into cobs tightly surrounded by leaf-shaped wrappers, hiding in the axils of the leaves and reaching a mass of 30 to 500 g, a length of 4 to 50 cm, and a diameter of 2 to 10 cm. One plant rarely forms more than two ears, at the tops of which a tuft of pistillate columns emerges from the wrappers, looking like a tuft of hair. The wind carries pollen from the male flowers to these columns, and fertilization occurs, resulting in the formation of large grains - the fruits of corn. The grains, located on the cob shaft in vertical rows and closely pressed to each other, have a round or cubic shape. One ear of corn can contain up to a thousand grains; their color can be yellow, reddish, blue, purple and almost black.
An important element of fertilizing is nitrogen.
During spring, nitrogen nutrition plays a special role. Nitrogen has a beneficial effect on the development of lush foliage. You also cannot do without other fertilizers, but much less of them will be needed during the period of awakening after winter, but nitrogen is no longer needed for autumn fertilization. You need to be very careful with this substance, because fertilizing with excessive portions of agrochemicals with nitrogen will provoke wild growth of greenery and abnormal growth of stems. But you may not get a harvest of raspberries at all, or it will be small and meager.
It is also important to understand not only what to feed, but also at what time to fertilize raspberries in the spring. Nitrogen-containing substances need to be fed only once per season.
The exception is shrubs that grow in unfavorable areas - sandy or clayey. In this case, you can fertilize twice, a couple of weeks after the first feeding. And then, the second application of nitrogen fertilizers is carried out based on the condition of the plants. If, having received the first portion of food, they are weak, grow poorly and have few leaves, then additional feeding is given.
The recommended period for its application is somewhat extended - it is allowed to feed berry bushes, starting from the first spring warming (as soon as the snow has melted) and until full foliage appears. If we talk about averaged data, then we should roughly focus on April-May.
You can sprinkle fertilizer on top of the melted snow. When the temperature rises, the fertilizer, dissolved in melt water, is absorbed into the soil along with it and is absorbed from there by the roots.
But here it is important that the cover is not continuous; the best conditions for such feeding are the presence of puddles under the raspberry bushes. There is no need to sprinkle fertilizers on the snow crust, since they will dissolve and evaporate from the surface and will not get into the soil, and accordingly, the raspberries will be left without nutrition.
A more effective period: before feeding the raspberries, the snow must melt and the ground must thaw
At this time, raspberries come to life after winter, the buds swell, and they are ready to absorb fertilizers along with moisture from the soil. Sometimes you can fertilize at a later date - before flowering begins.
But earlier fertilizing will give a good result - increased productivity. The main thing is to follow the rule: it’s not scary to underfeed a plant, but it’s dangerous to overfertilize it. With excessive nutrition, the plant accumulates a large concentration of substances that will damage the roots, and the foliage will dry out and fall off.
Diseases and pests of corn
The wall of corn stalks seems unshakable only at first glance, but in fact, in nature it has many enemies. Both diseases and pests can ruin your results. Of the former, the most common are fusarium or seedling blight, southern helminthosporium blight, stem rot, corn rust, root rot, red cob rot, blister and dusty smut. As a rule, these diseases fall on an area with contaminated seed material, so try to buy disinfected seeds or treat them with fungicides yourself.
Fusarium corn cob
Pests that are partial to corn are wireworms and false wireworms, cutworms, meadow and stem moths, and the Swedish oat fly. Compliance with crop rotation, regular weeding of rows and removal of plant residues will be a good prevention of the appearance of insects, but you will need to fight each of them with your own means.
- All garden pests in tables with descriptions, photos and control measures
We have compiled a “dossier” for you on each pest - save this collection!
Advantages and disadvantages of fertilizers
When choosing a fertilizer, you need to take into account its positive and negative effects on the soil, and the specifics of its application.
Type of fertilizer | pros | Minuses |
Liquid manure | Increased yield | Crust on the soil after watering |
Ammonium sulfate | Low cost, improves fruit quality, increases shelf life, prevents the accumulation of nitrates | Acidifies the soil |
Urea | When feeding by leaf, nitrogen is absorbed by 90% | Ineffective in cold weather |
Ammonium nitrate | Convenient and quick application | Increases soil acidity |
CAS | There is no loss of nitrogen, the nitrate form promotes the proliferation of beneficial soil microflora, which mineralizes organic residues, this is especially effective when growing corn using technology | Very aggressive liquid, there are restrictions on transportation methods and storage conditions |
Superphosphate | Accelerates the ripening of cobs, increases cold resistance, has a positive effect on the quality composition of silage | Do not mix with fertilizers containing nitrogen (ammonium nitrate, chalk, urea) |
Growing seedlings
The seedling method of growing crops is also popular, in which the crop on the plants ripens faster. In this case, corn is planted earlier - in April. For sowing seeds at home, deep containers filled with a mixture of peat and sand or sawdust are suitable. But it is much more convenient to place the corn grains in separate cups. This will save time on caring for seedlings and reduce the likelihood of damage to their roots when moving to the beds.
Advice
Corn seedlings can also be obtained in a greenhouse. It would be correct to install it at your summer cottage in March, so that by the time the grains are planted, the soil has warmed up sufficiently.
To germinate, corn seeds need a temperature of around 18-20°C. Fluorescent lamps will help provide them with a sufficient amount of light and heat. It is better to install them before sowing. If you neglect these recommendations, young sweet corn will become very elongated, and caring for its long shoots will become more difficult. After watering, they will bend down, almost lying on the soil, and hurt. Any draft will be disastrous for them.
Caring for corn seedlings consists of watering and fertilizing. They need a lot of water; the soil in the containers should not be allowed to dry out. When the seedlings begin to develop intensively, the time will come to feed them with a solution of mineral fertilizer. They will also respond well to growth stimulants. Young corn is provided with additional nutrition every week.
You can place it in open ground from the first days of May, if weather conditions permit. By this time, 2-3 powerful leaves will appear on the seedlings. In regions with a colder climate (in the Urals, Siberia), the procedure is carried out later - in the last week of spring. It is acceptable to postpone it even until the beginning of summer. Before planting corn bushes in a permanent area, holes are made in it. They are watered abundantly. To place plants in the beds, the same scheme is used as for sowing grains. Proper planting of corn ends with mulching the surface of the hole. It is sprinkled with sand, which will not allow the soil to become covered with a hard crust.
Fertilizers for feeding
In most cases, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds are used for foliar feeding, which are considered the most productive in terms of their impact. In addition, their use has been proven for decades, and therefore does not raise any doubts.
Nitrogen (as urea)
The main macronutrient of garden crops (regulator and stabilizer of their life cycles), ensuring rapid growth and increased productivity. Therefore, it is often used for lagging, weak plants.
If you combine them with root feeding, the effect will double. This way you can revive cucumbers after a decrease in fruiting due to temperature fluctuations, as well as rejuvenate perennials - sorrel, rhubarb, onions.
Cabbage, lettuce, and pumpkin will be very happy with external nitrogen treatment.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DDTHbgzAoyY
Phosphorus (as diluted Superphosphate)
An essential macronutrient required for cellular structure in garden crops. In addition, it accelerates the ripening of fruits, shortens the growing season, improves the immunity of perennial plants - making them resistant to severe frosts.
Foliar feeding can immediately solve several problems at once: growth retardation, falling flower stalks, redness.
Cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, beans, green onions, and beans love phosphorus.
In addition to macroelements, plants often lack microelements, which are essential even for seedlings and seeds before sowing.
Boron fertilizers
Used for spraying fruit and vegetable crops, berry fields during the period of active budding, as well as when the first flowers appear.
Manganese fertilizers
Particularly relevant during periods of active growth. The active substance is manganese sulfate.
Zinc supplements
They are already used when preparing seeds for planting. Foliar zinc treatment increases, for example, tomato yields by 55%. At the same time, their sugar content and quality composition increase, and the risk of brown rot and late blight decreases. Approximately the same results are obtained by spraying seeds of cotton, cabbage, cucumbers, and corn.
Iodine-containing fertilizers
They stimulate the development of garden crops and protect them from pest invasion. Potatoes can be protected from wireworms, tomatoes from rotting rhizomes, gladioli from rust, chrysanthemums from the insidious nematode. Iodine-containing foliar fertilizers increase the weight of tomatoes.
Molybdenum fertilizers
They stimulate the formation of ovaries, have a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of fruiting of beets and tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and cabbage.
Corn harvesting and storage
Harvesting of sweet corn begins selectively when the cobs reach milk maturity. How do you know when it’s time to remove the cob? Look out for the following signs:
- the outer layer of the wrapper has shrunk and its color has turned light green;
- the threads hanging from the cob have turned brown and dried out;
- when pressed, white juice is released from the grains;
- The grains on the cob are smooth, yellow, closed in dense rows, without wrinkles or dents.
If you are late in harvesting corn, it will become overripe and lose its taste and nutritional qualities; the grains will wrinkle and become poorly cooked.
Preparing corn for long-term storage includes the initial cleaning of the cobs, then drying and cleaning from grain and weeds. Undamaged cobs are sent for drying. They are freed from the leaves, but the wrapper is not cut off, the corn silks (thin threads enveloping the cob) are removed, the cobs are braided with leaves and hung from the ceiling until completely dry in a well-ventilated dry room. Drying of corn is considered complete if the kernels fall out of the cob with gentle shaking.
If you are going to store corn for a long time, the grains need to be husked and poured into plastic or glass jars, cardboard boxes or fabric bags. Corn for popcorn is stored in plastic bags in the freezer, and if necessary, placed directly frozen in a frying pan.
Dairy corn intended for cooking should be kept in the refrigerator at 0 ºC for no more than three weeks. When stored at higher temperatures, corn loses one and a half or more percent of sugar per day - the higher the temperature, the greater the loss. It is best to keep milk corn frozen or canned because this way the nutritional value of the product is preserved. Moreover, if the freezer allows, you need to put corn in it right on the cob. To prepare corn for storing, prepare two large containers - one with boiling water, and the other with cold water and pieces of ice. First, the cob, cleared of the wrapper and stigmas, is dipped in boiling water for a couple of minutes, and then in cold water for the same time, after which the corn is dried on a cloth, each cob is wrapped in cling film and placed in the freezer, where it is stored for up to 1.5 years without loss of quality.
Traditional methods of fertilization
Corn needs nitrogen and phosphorus throughout the entire growth period, right up to grain ripening. In addition to these substances, boron, copper, zinc and manganese must be present in the soil. Nitrogen deficiency is compensated with ammonia or ammonium fertilizers. This is ammonia water or saltpeter, as well as anhydrous ammonia.
At the beginning of summer, corn is fed with a solution of liquid mullein or chicken manure. To eliminate zinc deficiency, use a solution of zinc sulfate and lime, and to replenish manganese, use manganese sulfate. Before the appearance of panicles per hundred square meters, prepare the following mixture:
- 4 kg of superphosphate;
- 2 kg of potassium salt;
- 2 kg of ammonium nitrate.
Two weeks before the formation of panicles, foliar feeding is done with a urea solution. When 7 leaves appear on the crop, foliar fertilizing with urea is carried out (6 kg of product per 100 liters of water). The product is a source of nitrogen. With foliar feeding, the digestibility of nutrients reaches 95%. Magnesium sulfate and pesticides are added simultaneously with urea.
Tips and recommendations from experienced summer residents
To get a rich harvest, follow simple rules :
- Apply mineral fertilizer evenly to the soil by irrigation. The substances do not spread in the soil, but it is necessary that all roots receive uniform nutrition.
- Before fertilizing, it is necessary to water the soil well.
- Monitor the dosage of corn fertilizer. It is better to apply less fertilizer than more. With an excess of nutrients, there will be an intensive increase in green mass, but there will be fewer ears.
- Do not use several types of fertilizer at once. Some substances are incompatible with each other.
Organic fertilizers for wheat
Soil fertility is determined by the presence of organic matter in it in the required quantities. Typically, organic fertilizers are applied to the predecessors of wheat crops. Cereals are in dire need of organic fertilizing if the humus content in the soil is very low - at the level of 2%.
Manure is used as organic matter, which is evenly distributed over the entire field area and then plowed. Fresh manure is applied in the fall to give the organic matter time to decompose and ferment under the influence of soil bacteria.
Winter wheat is more sensitive to organic fertilizers, since in winter organic matter is able to nourish the plants and provide them with the necessary amount of elements for wintering. By the beginning of the intensive growing season in spring, wheat has already collected a certain amount of nutrients and begins to grow vigorously.
For spring crops, the use of organic matter immediately before sowing may be justified by the composition of the soil.
If cereals and other crops are alternately planted on a field, then organic fertilizers are used before planting a pair, that is, another crop.
Green manure plants can be used as organic food. They are specially grown, mowed and placed in soil that needs rest. Rotting of plants in the ground ensures the replenishment of nitrogen and microelements for subsequent sowing of cereal crops.
The best green manures for wheat are one or two year old legumes.