10 tips for a higher corn yield

After a special growing season in 2016, it is already time to make plans for a top maize harvest in 2017. With these 10 practical tips you increase the chance of this considerably.

1. Lime for optimal pH
The figures from Eurofins Agro show that a lot of maize land has a pH that is too low. This costs 10 to 20% yield. You therefore amply earn back liming at a pH that is too low.

2. Analyze the manure
Measuring = knowing, that certainly also applies to animal manure. Analyze the fertilizer so that you know how much N and P you are actually applying.

3. Invest in organic matter
Organic matter is the engine of the soil. It ensures binding and delivery of nutrients, a good moisture balance and is crucial for the resilience, health and workability of the soil. In times of more extreme weather and less fertilizer application, organic matter in the soil is vital for successful maize cultivation.

A crop of silage maize extracts an average of 2.500 to 3.000 kg of organic matter from the soil, more than the crop residues and organic fertilizer supply supply. Rotational cultivation and a successful catch crop eliminate the shortage.

4. Provide enough potassium
Kali is of great importance for the moisture balance in the maize plant. Successful maize cultivation extracts more than 300 kg of potash per hectare. If necessary, give an additional potash after sowing for vital plants and a high yield.

5. Fertilize to measure
Make a smart fertilizer plan in which you fertilize each plot to measure. Adjust the fertilization to the soil subsequent delivery and the expected extraction. An over-fertilization on maize land results in a lot of nutrient loss, use this manure on grassland.

6. Make a smart variety choice
Choose the most suitable maize variety per plot: select a variety in the correct earliness group that scores well on VEM yield. Read more tips for choosing a variety here.

7. Grow a good catch crop
A successful green manure is a must in maize cultivation, for the application of organic matter and for the retention and delivery of nutrients. Read more about the importance of organic matter.

8. Work with a sense of the ground
Structural damage during the harvest or during fertilization or tillage in the spring results in loss of yield in maize cultivation. Working in dry conditions, make a tight and flat seedbed that is neither too coarse nor too fine.

9. Customized weed control
Optimal weed control ensures a clean field, with a minimal dosage and without damage to the maize. Think about your system: In practical trials of PPO, compared to one spraying in the 5/6 leaf stage, an additional yield of 5% dry matter when using a soil herbicide and 10% when spraying twice 1/3 dose is measured.

10. Harvest at the right time
When harvesting, maize growers still leave a lot of money behind. Much maize is harvested too late, which means that more nutritional value is lost in the silage due to fusarium and overheating. Keep a close eye on the ripening and call the contractor on time.

Any more tips for a top corn harvest in 2017?

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