What kind of fertilizer should be used for growing corn?

What kind of fertilizer should be used for corn? Use fertilizer in stages, and the yield will be more stable. 

When many people grow corn, they all encounter a problem: What kind of fertilizer should they use? Some people follow what others do and use the same type of fertilizer, while others just randomly buy a bag of fertilizer and use it. In the end, the corn doesn't grow well and the yield is low. They don't know where the problem lies. In fact, there are fixed rules for corn fertilization. Using the right fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount can ensure the normal growth of corn. This article doesn't talk nonsense. It all uses practical planting experience to explain which fertilizers are suitable for corn, when to use them, and how much to use. After you read it, you can directly apply it to the field.

When fertilizing corn, the first thing to understand is a general principle. Corn growth mainly requires three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen fertilizer is used to enable the normal growth of corn stalks and leaves. Phosphorus fertilizer mainly promotes the development of corn roots, allowing corn to have deeper roots. Potassium fertilizer can make the corn stalks more sturdy and reduce the risk of lodging. Fertilizing with corn cannot rely solely on one type of fertilizer; only applying nitrogen fertilizer will make the corn stalks weak and prone to lodging in the later stage. Applying only phosphorus and potassium fertilizers will cause the corn leaves to turn yellow and fail to grow properly. Therefore, fertilization should be carried out in combination, with both base fertilizer and topdressing, to meet the needs of corn throughout its growth period. At the same time, the amount of fertilizer should be determined based on the condition of the land. Apply less fertilizer on fertile land and more on poor land. Do not blindly follow others and apply excessive fertilizer; excessive fertilization not only wastes money but may also have an impact on the growth of corn. 

The base fertilizer is the first step in fertilizing corn. It is applied before sowing or during sowing. The purpose of the base fertilizer is to provide nutrients for the corn seedlings, ensuring that the corn seeds emerge neatly and the seedlings are strong. Commonly used fertilizers for base fertilizer include compound fertilizers, farmyard manure, and phosphate fertilizers. For compound fertilizers, a type with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content can be chosen. Generally, 30 to 40 kilograms per mu should be used. If there is well-rotted farmyard manure at home, such as cow and sheep manure or composted straw, they can also be used together. Farmyard manure can improve soil structure, allowing subsequent fertilizers to be absorbed better. If the previous crops on the family plot often had poor root systems, superphosphate can be added to the base fertilizer to supplement phosphorus. The base fertilizer must be deeply applied, with a depth of 10 to 15 centimeters. It should not be placed directly next to the seeds, otherwise, it is prone to cause seed burning and no emergence.

During the seedling stage of corn (from emergence to when it grows to seven leaves), if the base fertilizer is sufficient, generally no additional fertilization is needed. The corn seedlings can grow normally relying on the base fertilizer. If the land is relatively poor in nutrients or if the corn seedlings turn yellow and grow poorly after emergence, appropriate topdressing is necessary to promote growth. Topdressing during the seedling stage mainly consists of nitrogen fertilizer. Using 5 to 8 kilograms of urea per acre is sufficient. When applying fertilizer, it should be placed about 10 centimeters away from the corn roots. Do not directly sprinkle it on the roots to avoid burning the plants. The purpose of topdressing during the seedling stage is to help weak seedlings catch up and ensure that the corn growth on the entire field is consistent. 

From the jointing stage to the full-blown ear stage, corn is the stage with the highest nutrient demand. Fertilizing during this period directly affects the size of the corn ears. At this time, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly applied as a top dressing. The most commonly used fertilizer is urea. Generally, 15 to 20 kilograms of urea are used per acre. The best time for fertilization is between the 7th and 12th leaves of the corn plant. The recommended fertilization method is to dig furrows or make holes for deep application. After application, cover the soil. If it is directly spread on the ground, when exposed to sunlight, the fertilizer will evaporate, reducing its efficacy and resulting in a waste of fertilizer. If the fertilizer supply is adequate during this stage, the corn stalks will grow normally, the ears will emerge neatly, and the ear setting rate will be higher. 

During the later stage of corn growth, which is from the time of ear emergence to the stage of grain filling and maturity, the main task is to prevent the plants from premature decline and to make the grains fuller. At this time, it is not suitable to apply a large amount of fertilizer. Leaf surface fertilization can be adopted. The commonly used fertilizer is potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Mix it with water according to the instructions and evenly spray it on the corn leaves. If the corn leaves show obvious yellowing and there is a phenomenon of nutrient deficiency, a small amount of urea can be supplemented. In the later stage, do not apply a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen fertilizer will delay the maturity of corn, and the harvested corn will have a high moisture content, which is not conducive to drying and storage.

Finally, I'd like to mention a few precautions for fertilization. Try to apply fertilizer before it rains or after watering, as this makes it easier for the corn to absorb the nutrients. When the weather is extremely dry, do not apply fertilizer first; instead, water first and then apply fertilizer. The nutrient content of different brands of fertilizers varies. When using them, follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging. Do not add the amount randomly. When growing corn, do not just aim for convenience and only apply nitrogen fertilizer; you must also combine it with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Scientific use of fertilizers can not only reduce costs but also ensure stable growth of the corn and higher yields. 

Corn fertilization is not that complicated. Just remember to use compound fertilizer as the base fertilizer, apply urea for the middle stage, and spray foliar fertilizer appropriately in the later stage. Follow this method and most fields will achieve relatively stable yields.