Generally speaking, lodging can be divided into root lodging and stem lodging. The former is related to cultivation measures and the environment, while the latter is more related to variety-specific characteristics. But no matter which type of lodging occurs, it causes huge losses to crop yield, and how to reduce corn lodging is also a major issue in production. Below are several measures introduced in detail for everyone's reference.

Choose highly resistant varieties

Different varieties still differ in lodging resistance. For example, Xundan series corn varieties have thick stalks and high lignification, so their lodging resistance is relatively strong, while corn with short internode spacing and a relatively low ear position also has relatively high lodging resistance. Choosing highly resistant varieties can also be considered preventive action.

Proper sparse planting

Research shows that sparse planting is very effective for improving lodging resistance. Therefore, when planting corn, one should not blindly increase planting density. This will not only fail to achieve a yield increase, but may also cause corn to grow weak due to excessive planting density and be less resistant to lodging.

Do a good job in pest and disease control

Pests and diseases are also a major factor inducing lodging, especially when corn is about to enter the maturity stage, when corn stalks are gnawed by some stem-boring pests, causing the stalks' lodging resistance to weaken. In this regard, field weeds should still be cleared in time to reduce the harm of corn borers and stalk rot in corn fields, and avoid stem lodging during windy weather.

Control water and fertilizer

This aspect is mainly due to excessive nitrogen fertilizer causing excessive vegetative growth in corn. In the early stage, the situation is relatively better, and even with excessive nitrogen fertilizer, corn will not necessarily lodge. However, after entering the reproductive growth stage, if nitrogen fertilizer is excessive, it will cause excessive vegetative growth. At this stage, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer need to be increased to reduce and control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer.

And when entering the jointing stage, if there is no drought, there is no need to water too much; watering can be omitted or reduced. Avoid excessive growth of corn or overly long internode spacing.

Of course, if the corn grows too fast at the seedling stage, growth regulators can also be used for control. The yield reduction caused by lodging to corn is obvious, and now corn is about to enter the reproductive growth stage. After the corn ears grow larger later, combined with frequent wind and rain weather in summer, this is the season when corn is most prone to lodging. At present, attention must be paid to field management regarding fertilization and watering!

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