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Don't wait with raining corn
After a fairly slow start, maize in the Netherlands is currently experiencing a strong growth spurt. A nice crop grows on most plots, but pay attention to the moisture supply: the first curly maize plants have already been found. Given the weather forecast, our advice is: don't wait until you can irrigate.
The water consumption of maize increases steadily during crop growth and peaks around flowering. A lack of moisture in this period causes a lower starch yield, because the fertilization and grain setting are less successful. Irrigation if necessary and possible is therefore always profitable in this phase!
Moisture status in the soil
Maize clearly shows a lack of moisture because the leaves start to curl. If the leaf does not unfold again in the evening and night, the moisture shortage is already great and irrigation is definitely necessary. If the leaves have recovered early in the morning, check the moisture status in the soil.
The maximum root depth of maize is 100 to 150 centimeters, the rootable depth on most plots is about 45 to 100 centimeters. If the rootable depth is still moist, the maize will search and root deeper. However, if the soil stock is already low and not much precipitation is forecast, it is advisable to start with an initial sprinkling of 25 to 30 millimeters.
Would you like more information or tailor-made advice? Your roughage specialist is happy to help you >
