Detailed Explanation of Key Corn Planting and Management Techniques

SummarySeedling stage management: From emergence to the jointing stage, it is necessary to check for and fill in missing seedlings in a timely manner, remove weak seedlings and keep strong ones. Field management at the ear stage: From jointing to tasseling, 3 rounds of intertillage can be carried out when the seedlings grow to 4-5 leaves, when the seedlings grow to about 30cm, and before jointing. Management at the large trumpet stage: 20-25kg of urea and 5-10kg of potassium fertilizer can be applied. Management at the flowering and grain stage: Drain waterlogging promptly when it rains, and detassel during the tasseling stage.

I. Seedling Stage Management (Emergence to Jointing)

The seedling stage refers to the period from emergence to jointing, mainly focused on root and stem-leaf growth. The management during this period is to ensure the density of seedlings and whether the seedlings emerge neatly, evenly, and robustly.

1. Field inspection and seedling replenishment

Due to reasons such as seed quality and soil quality, the planted seedlings may show varying degrees of weakness, disease, pest damage, or stunting. During this period, it is necessary to frequently inspect the corn field, which helps to promptly discover problems with the seedlings and promptly replenish missing seedlings.

2. Timely thinning and final singling of seedlings

Thinning should be carried out at the three-leaf stage. During this period, weak seedlings should be removed and strong seedlings retained; mixed seedlings should be cleared out, and uniform seedlings with consistent color should be retained; diseased seedlings should be removed and healthy seedlings retained. If thinning is not done in time, the plants will become crowded during the growth stage, resulting in uneven light, as well as insufficient water and nutrients, which is not conducive to the growth and development of the seedlings.

II. Field Management at the Ear Stage (Mid-season Management)

The ear stage refers to the period from jointing to tasseling. At this time, stem and leaf growth is vigorous, ear differentiation gradually proceeds, and vegetative growth and reproductive growth occur simultaneously. This is also a relatively important period for corn field management, mainly to promote strong stalks and large ears.

1. Intertillage and earthing up

Intertillage can loosen the soil, promote root development, prevent lodging, and facilitate drainage and irrigation as well as burying weeds. During the seedling stage, 3 rounds of intertillage are usually carried out. The 1st intertillage can be carried out when the seedlings have 4-5 leaves, with a depth of about 3-5cm. The 2nd intertillage can be carried out when the seedlings grow to about 30cm, with a depth of about 7-8cm. The 3rd intertillage can be carried out before jointing, with a depth of about 5-6cm.

2. Appropriate topdressing

At the large trumpet stage of corn, appropriate topdressing can be applied. During this period, the main purpose is to supply the fertilizer and water needed for ear differentiation, and to increase the photosynthetic productivity of the middle and upper leaves, so that more nutrients are transported to the ear, promoting larger ears and more grains. Generally, 20-25kg of urea and 5-10kg of potassium fertilizer can be applied per mu.

III. Management at the Flowering and Grain Stage (Late-stage Management)

The flowering and grain stage refers to the period from tasseling to corn maturity. At this time, vegetative growth stops, and the focus is mainly on grain development. Management is intended to ensure pollination and fertilization, promote grain filling, and prevent premature senescence.

1. Timely drainage of waterlogging

During the corn growth period, if there is a rainy season, water may remain in the field without receding, causing insufficient soil oxygen, which is not conducive to plant growth and makes lodging easy. Therefore, drainage should be carried out in time.

2. Detasseling and pollination

Detasseling can be carried out during the tasseling stage, removing 1-2 rows every 1-2 rows. Detasseling should not be done in mountainous areas and small plots. When detasseling, leaves must not be removed, otherwise it will lead to reduced yield.