Techniques for planting and fertilizing corn to achieve high yields.

Unlike rice, corn panicle differentiation occurs very early. 15-20 days after planting, when the corn has 5-7 true leaves (depending on the growth duration of the variety), the plant has already differentiated its panicle.

The favorable differentiation of the corn cob axis depends on the current growth condition of the corn plant. The length of the corn cob axis determines the number of rows per ear, the number of kernels per row, and greatly influences the final corn yield.

Planting density should be high. Corn varieties with upright, compact leaves or leaves that can be rotated into the furrows can be planted at a density of 2,200-2,500 plants per 360m² (Northern Vietnam acre). Spacing should be 17-20 x 70cm x 1 plant.

Maize varieties with large leaf angles that cannot be rotated towards the furrow are planted at a density of 1,800-2,000 plants per 1000 square meters. Spacing is 25-27cm x 70cm x 1 plant.

To achieve high corn yields, the following fertilization methods are necessary:

Apply fertilizer early, ensuring sufficient nutrients during the stage when the corn has 5-7 true leaves to facilitate ear differentiation. The amount of base fertilizer for corn at planting is 3-4 quintals of well-rotted manure + 20-25 kg of superphosphate + 3-4 kg of urea + 1-2 kg of potassium chloride. Apply the fertilizer 10-15 cm away from the seeds.

Apply the first topdressing when the corn has 5-6 true leaves, using 5-6 kg of nitrogen fertilizer and 2-3 kg of potassium chloride. Apply the fertilizer 30 cm away from the base of the plant, lightly weed the surface of the furrow, then loosen the soil 10-15 cm away from the base of the plant, and gently mound the soil around the base to prevent the corn from lodging.

The second topdressing should be applied when the corn has 11-12 true leaves and is in the tasseling stage. Apply 3-4 kg of urea nitrogen and 4-5 kg ​​of potassium chloride, 30 cm away from the base of the plant. Combine this with mounding soil around the base of the plant to encourage the development of adventitious roots (tripod roots).

Spray one of the following high-quality foliar fertilizers on corn 1-2 times, 5-7 days apart, during the stage when the corn has 3-5 true leaves, to ensure the corn receives sufficient micronutrients for complete ear differentiation.

Provide adequate moisture for the corn from planting until the husks dry out.

Pay attention to controlling cutworms and aphids that damage corn. Do not remove leaves from the leaves immediately below the ear, and the two leaves below the ear, to ensure maximum nutrient transport from the leaves to the kernels. Do not till deeply or repeatedly, as this will sever the root system, and corn roots have very poor regeneration once damaged.

Harvest corn when more than 50% of the husks are dry to ensure the kernels are fully ripe, starchy, and have a high nutritional content.

According to Nongnghiepvn