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Check corn field emergence
The maize has unfortunately not had an easy start this year. In many places in the Northern Netherlands it is not possible to sow until late. Where sown has already taken place, the maize is having a hard time due to the persistently low temperatures in May. Make sure you follow the field attendance carefully, so that you can make adjustments where necessary.
Maize sown from the end of April took a long time to emerge due to the low temperatures. Once at the top, the maize has barely grown until now. Root growth is also lower because of the cold. This very slow development makes the maize susceptible to damage from fungi, insects and birds:
- Germ and soil fungi are weak parasites, which seize their opportunity in germinating maize that is struggling because of the cold soil.
- wire needles cause great damage, especially in young maize plants.
- Birds like crows and rooks, they also target young maize plants. From emergence to the 2-leaf stage they pull out the plant and eat the germ.
Assess field attendance
Keep a close eye on the emergence and early development of your maize. By counting 13,3 meters in the row of plants at a number of places in the plot and multiplying this by 1.000, you get a good idea of the number of plants. Overseeding is recommended when you have less than 55.000 plants per hectare. In case of local bird damage, it can be worthwhile to sow in places.
Corn growers who de LG Corn Service have concluded, the maize seed for over- or over-sowing will be reimbursed from LG. In that case, please contact your LG roughage specialist.
Use a ultra early or very early maize variety, like LG Conclusion en LG Emeen† Sow as soon as the soil allows and in any case before the longest day.
In the video, roughage specialist Robert ter Maat shows how to assess field attendance:
