Correct remedial measures after corn lodging

Since the start of summer this year, there has been a lot of rain, and combined with high temperatures and the recent floods, corn lodging is likely to occur, which will have a certain impact on corn yield. Depending on the degree of corn lodging, the degree of yield reduction varies, and in severe cases it can even lead to total crop failure. This article proposes different remedial measures for corn lodging based on the type of lodging, the time of lodging, and the degree of lodging.

????I. Different types of corn lodging

1. Stem lodging: also called bending lodging, the position of the plant's root remains unchanged, and the stem bends and lies prostrate. For such plots, after rain, gently shake off the rainwater from the plants with a bamboo pole to reduce the pressure on the plants, and after the weather clears, let the plants slowly recover upright growth. When shaking off the rainwater, be careful to avoid disturbing the plants as much as possible, to prevent artificially causing the stems to break.

2. Stem breakage: the position of the plant's root remains unchanged, and the plant breaks at the third or fourth node from the base. Such lodged plants are usually very difficult to recover, basically will not form yield, and it is not easy to take rescue measures; let them grow naturally or remove them directly.

3. Root lodging: the position of the plant's root changes, with one side pulled up and toppling toward the other side.

????II. Different times of corn lodging

1. Lodging occurring before the small trumpet stage (8-10 leaf stage): the plants can automatically recover to an upright state, will not affect normal pollination in the future, and have little impact on yield, so no manual measures such as propping them up are needed; let them grow naturally. If manually propped up, the roots will inevitably be damaged and will no longer take root, which not only affects yield but also makes secondary lodging likely.

2. Lodging occurring after the large trumpet stage (11-13 leaf stage): the plants cannot automatically recover to an upright state, which not only directly affects normal pollination but also affects photosynthesis, having a relatively large impact on yield, so manual measures such as propping them upright should be taken.

?III. Different degrees of corn lodging

1. Lodging occurring before and after tasseling and pollination. Start propping them up from the upwind side at the time of lodging, and while propping them up, bank the soil around the corn roots. It is best for two people to work together: one person holds the upper part of the corn plant and gently pulls it up, while the other banks soil at the base. The soil banking height should preferably be 6-8 cm, and after banking, press it firm with the foot. It is best to prop them up the same day they lodge, and no more than 3 days at most; after 3 days they can no longer be propped up, and propping them up again will damage the roots and actually reduce yield further.

2. Lodging occurring after the ear shoots emerge. For moderate lodging (at an angle of 30-60 degrees to the ground), prop them up manually as described above, or after propping 3-5 corn plants upright, tie the stalks together at the ear-bearing part with thin string, and it is best not to tie the corn leaves. After 3 days, cut the binding string so the corn grows naturally; this basically has no impact on the later grain filling and yield of the corn.

3. For completely lodged corn plants, provided the stems and roots are not damaged, support them below the ear position with wooden sticks or similar, so that the corn ears are about 30 cm above the ground, to prevent rodent damage and mildew. While propping up and supporting the plants, you can also remove the bottom leaves to enhance ventilation and light penetration; you can apply a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer to increase nutrition and promote maturity.