Key Technical Points for Summer Field Management of Spring Corn
At present, spring corn in the Qianxi area has entered the jointing stage, which is the peak period of water and fertilizer demand for corn and also a critical period for yield formation, so summer management of corn should be strengthened. 1. Timely topdressing Corn topdressing should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer, preferably applied in two split applications, namely 20 kg of urea per mu at the large trumpet stage...
At present, spring corn in the Qianxi area has entered the jointing stage, which is the peak period of water and fertilizer demand for corn and also a critical period for yield formation, so summer management of corn should be strengthened.
1. Timely topdressing Corn topdressing should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer, preferably applied in two split applications, namely 20 kg of urea per mu at the large trumpet stage, and 10 kg of urea per mu at the tasseling and silking stages. If applied all at once, it should be concentrated at the large trumpet stage, with 30 kg of urea per mu plus 5 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, which can enhance plant lodging resistance. When fertilizing, the chemical fertilizer should not be placed too close to the corn roots; it should be applied between two rows of corn and covered with soil after application to reduce loss of fertilizer efficiency.
2. Cultivation and weeding Corn is a crop that benefits from cultivation. Reasonable cultivation can not only effectively remove weeds but also raise soil temperature and promote plant growth. In dry weather, cultivation can break the surface capillaries, prevent evaporation of lower-layer moisture, and play a role in drought prevention and soil moisture conservation; after rain, cultivation can break up soil compaction, accelerate soil moisture evaporation, and play a role in waterlogging prevention. Summer cultivation should not be too deep, with 4.5-6 cm being appropriate, so as not to damage the roots. For fields with relatively serious weed damage, chemical weeding methods can be used, applying 200 ml of paraquat (Gramoxone) per mu, mixed with 100 kg of water, for directed spray weeding. When spraying, a protective shield should be installed on the nozzle to prevent the spray liquid from drifting and damaging corn leaves and surrounding crops.
3. Timely drainage and irrigation The large trumpet stage of corn is the critical period for water demand. If drought occurs, it will seriously affect yield. In places with irrigation conditions, water should be applied in time to combat drought and prevent "neck-choking drought." The grain-filling period of spring corn is long, and "autumn drought" also has a very serious impact on corn yield. Farmers have a saying: "Spring drought is not considered drought; autumn drought reduces the harvest by half." If drought occurs during the corn grain-filling period, water should also be applied in time to combat drought. Although corn is a crop with high fertilizer and water requirements, it is not tolerant of waterlogging. If there is large-area standing water in the field after rain, drainage should be carried out in time to prevent root rot and premature senescence from affecting yield.
4. Pay attention to inspecting and controlling pests and diseases The main pests and diseases harming corn at this stage are corn borer, armyworm, and northern and southern corn leaf blight. Monitoring should be strengthened, and effective measures should be taken in time to control them.