Simple technique increases corn yield

To increase corn productivity, in addition to the main technical measures such as choosing good, pest-free varieties, applying fertilizers properly and scientifically, irrigating and caring for each stage of corn growth... some technical measures, although simple, are very important in increasing corn productivity. The following are introduced to farmers:

1. When planting corn on alluvial land or rice fields, it is necessary to make rows in an east-west direction to take advantage of sunlight, both to increase the photosynthetic ability of the corn plant and to limit pests and diseases.

2. The period when corn has 3-4 true leaves is the period when corn plants need to supplement nutrients because the corn has used up all the nutrients in the grain. Therefore, at this stage, it is necessary to loosen the crust and fertilize the corn promptly. However, people rarely pay attention to this issue and often take care of and fertilize when the corn has 6-7 true leaves, which limits the growth of corn. In addition, weeds also overwhelm the corn, reducing the ability to photosynthesize.

3. Additional pollination for corn: this is an important task that contributes to increasing the number of rows of seeds/ear and the number of solid seeds/row, limiting the shortage of rows and seeds in corn ears. This task does not require much time and effort but brings high economic efficiency, significantly increasing corn yield.

The method of supplementary pollination for corn is very simple. Just observe the corn field and see that the flag flower has been releasing pollen for 2-3 days, then carry out supplementary pollination by using a long string (made of cloth or parachute cord...) about 9-10 m long, tie the 2 ends of the string to the ends of 2 sticks about 1.2-1.5 m long, each person holds a tied stick stretched across the corn field and walks together so that the string lightly touches the flag flower so that the anthers release and fall onto the corn silk below. The time to do this is 9-10 am when the anthers have dried from the dew and released pollen. In addition to the above method, you can use 2 sticks, each 2-3 m long, walk along the corn furrow and use the stick to lightly touch the 2 rows of corn on both sides of the furrow so that the pollen falls onto the corn silk.

4. When the corn has dark silk (pollination has ended), the flag flowers need to be cut so that nutrients can be concentrated to nourish the corn and kernels. When the corn enters the waxy ripening stage (the leaves change from green to yellow-green), some of the lower leaves can be collected as animal feed, but should not be overused as this will affect corn yield.

5. When harvesting corn, it is necessary to proactively sort the corn right in the field, separate small corns, corns with pests, and mold. Harvested corns should not be piled up but spread out to dry and limit water vapor absorption that reduces corn quality. Then separate the bracts, dry the corns, use a kernel separator and dry the kernels to the standard humidity for preservation.

According to hoinongdan - LY