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When should you water corn?
The crops are once again experiencing the effects of a precipitation shortage locally, especially on the lighter soils. After an initial huge growth spurt, we are also seeing signs of drought in maize. When should you water corn?
Corn has been able to develop enormously in many places this spring. The spikes are already visible in the first very early sown plots. However, the available soil moisture is now becoming tight in many places. If you have the opportunity to irrigate, it is best to adjust this to the stage of crop development.
Moisture requirement of maize
Although the crop can show signs of drought (certainly during the day), watering is not always necessary. Maize is very efficient with water: for 1 kilo of dry matter it needs 450 millimeters of water, this is 700 millimeters for grass. Only when the leaf is still curled after the night does the moisture deficiency become acute.
In the phase of leaf and stem development, the moisture requirement of maize is not very great. When there is little rainfall, the plant goes in search of moisture and therefore roots deeper. Irrigation at this stage has little added value and can reduce this desired rooting.
Irrigating before flowering
The phase in which a moisture deficiency results in the greatest loss is just before and during flowering. A lack of moisture during flowering leads to poor grain setting and therefore costs starch yield. The final feed value in the silage is then lower.
If it remains dry in the near future, keep an eye on the development of your maize and take action in time. Take into account possible abstraction bans for surface water.
Contact your LG roughage specialist for tailor-made advice.
