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Ten tips for a higher corn yield
After a very good growing season in 2017, it is already time to make plans for a top corn harvest in 2018. With these 10 practical tips, the basis is in any case in order.
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 about 10% to 20% yield. Lime plots with a pH that is too low therefore quickly pay for themselves.
2. Analyze the manure
Measuring is knowing. This certainly also applies to animal manure. Analyze the manure 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 kilos of organic matter from the soil, more than the crop residues and organic fertilizer supply. Crop rotation and a successful catch crop compensate for 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 kilos of potash per hectare. After sowing, if necessary, give an additional dose of potassium for vital plants and a high yield.
5. Fertilize to measure
Make a smart fertilizer plan in which you fertilize each plot to size. Adjust the fertilization to the soil supply and the expected extraction. 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 for each plot: select a variety in the correct earliness group that scores well on VEM yield. The total kVEM per hectare, the result of dry matter yield, starch and cell wall digestibility, determines the actual yield of each hectare of silage maize.
Check out the recommended varieties for 2018.
7. Grow a good catch crop
A successful green manure crop is a must in maize cultivation, for the application of organic matter and the capture and delivery of nutrients.
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 minimum dosage and without damage to the maize. Think about your system: In practical tests of PPO, compared to 1 spraying in the 5/6 leaf stage, an additional yield of 5% dry matter when using a soil herbicide and 10% when spraying 2 times 1/3 dose is measured.
10. Harvest at the right time
When harvesting, maize growers still leave a lot of money behind. A lot of maize is harvested too late, as a result of which more feed value is lost in the silage due to fusarium and overheating. Keep a close eye on the ripening process and call the contractor on time.
For more information on a high corn yield in 2018:
- Check out the LG maïsraces for 2018.
- Contact the LG roughage specialist for free advice.
