How to master corn watering timing more scientifically

SummaryWatering at sowing: soil moisture is 65-75% of field capacity. Watering at jointing stage: soil moisture is 60-65% of field capacity. Watering at tasseling stage: soil moisture is 70-80% of field capacity. Watering at grain filling stage: soil moisture is 70-75% of field capacity.

1. Corn watering timing

1. Watering at sowing

After sowing corn, if the soil moisture content at sowing is relatively high, watering may not be needed; if the soil is relatively dry, then watering is needed. Generally, the soil moisture should be 65-75% of field capacity. This can effectively promote corn seedling germination, increase the germination rate, and prevent gaps in the rows.

2. Watering at jointing stage

After corn seedlings enter the jointing stage, the plants begin to grow rapidly, and the water requirement increases at this time. Generally, the soil moisture should be 60-65% of field capacity. If the soil moisture content is relatively low, watering must be done. Watering at the jointing stage is especially important; it not only affects the growth of corn plants, but also affects corn tasseling and flower bud differentiation.

3. Watering at tasseling stage

(1) After corn plants enter the tasseling stage, not only is the temperature very high, but the leaf area is also relatively large. Therefore, the tasseling stage is the period when corn needs the most water throughout its entire growth process. Generally, the soil moisture should be 70-80% of field capacity. If the soil moisture content decreases at this time, watering should be done promptly.

(2) Watering at the tasseling stage can not only increase the products of leaf photosynthesis, but also help improve the pollination rate of corn, laying an early foundation for later corn grain filling.

4. Watering at grain filling stage

After corn enters the grain filling stage, the water requirement is still relatively high. Generally, the soil moisture should be 70-75% of field capacity. Sufficient water can better enable corn kernels to fill, thereby increasing yield. Therefore, after corn enters the grain filling stage, if soil moisture is lacking, watering should be done as early as possible.

2. Corn watering methods

1. There are many ways to water corn. The more common one is flood irrigation. A hose can be placed at the edge of the field and watering can be done ridge by ridge. The advantage is that it is convenient, while the disadvantages are serious waste and uneven moisture: there is too much water at the edge of the field, and on the other side, the closer to the edge of the field, the less water there is. Therefore, this method is not recommended for watering.

2. Sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation are relatively better. At present, sprinkler irrigation is also fairly widespread. It can effectively save water, and its utilization rate is relatively good. Drip irrigation is even more advanced, directly applying water to the corn root system, but the cost is relatively high, so those with the conditions can choose drip irrigation.