When can we sow corn?

After a period of rainfall that seemed to never end, it is now spring. The country has dried up quickly, there is hardly any precipitation in the forecast and the temperature is rising. Of course this leads to the sowing jitters in some maize growers. What are the optimal conditions for sowing silage maize?

It is important to base your sowing planning on the soil temperature and the weather forecast† Wait to sow maize until the soil temperature is at least 10°C and the ambient temperature is 15°C. On average, depending on soil type and region, this soil temperature is reached somewhere between April 20 and May 1. It KNMI measures the soil temperature at 4 places in the Netherlands, even better is of course to measure yourself.

Risks of sowing too early
In view of the weather forecast, early maize sowing may well be possible this year, especially on the lighter and warmer soils. But watch out: don't sow too early† Corn seed germinates at a soil from 10°C, but fastest at more than 20°C. When sowing early, germination is therefore slower, so that the young germ is exposed to damage by fungi and insects for a longer period of time. Resulting in higher plant loss. There is also a risk of damage from night frost.

Note: corn seed treated with Sound You should not sow before May 1. This product can cause damage to the seedling with slow emergence due to cold or drought.

Moreover, early sowing does not necessarily mean earlier harvesting. Corn is a short-day plant, which blooms according to the length of the day. Flowering starts after the longest day and the flowering time depends on the maize variety, growing conditions and temperature.

Tackling catch crop
So where you have to keep calm when sowing, this certainly does not apply to the catch crop: work it in as soon as possible if you have not already done so. The nutrients in the catch crop are released about 2 months after processing. If it takes effect too late, the maize can no longer make full use of it. If you are going to harvest the catch crop, realize that this will extract 20 to 30 mm of moisture.

Roughage specialist Antoon Verhoeven has 4 practical tips for you when preparing your maize cultivation:
 

More tips for optimal corn cultivation? View all our advice on www.roughfeedforum.nl or ask your LG roughage specialist for tailor-made advice.

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