When is the best time to water corn?

Corn is an important food crop in our country, and many farmers make a living from it. To achieve high corn yields, you need to do a good job with watering, so when is the best time to water corn?

1. Watering at sowing

After sowing corn, if the soil moisture content at sowing is relatively high, you do not need to water. If the soil is dry, then you must water. Generally, the soil moisture should be 65-75% of field capacity; this can promote corn seedling germination, increase the germination rate, and prevent gaps in the rows.

2. Watering at the jointing stage

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

3. Watering at the tasseling stage

After corn plants enter the tasseling stage, not only are temperatures very high, but leaf area is also at its maximum, so corn at the tasseling stage has the highest water demand of its entire growth period. Generally, the soil moisture should be 70-80% of field capacity, so if the soil moisture content drops at this time, water promptly. Watering at the tasseling stage can not only increase the products of leaf photosynthesis, but also help improve the pollination rate of corn, laying the foundation early for later grain filling.

4. Watering at the grain filling stage

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