The correct method and precautions for corn seedling hardening

During the corn growing period, under the influence of strong winds, corn is highly prone to lodging, and farmers adopt seedling hardening techniques during cultivation to make corn strong and prevent lodging. So what other benefits does corn seedling hardening have? Let's take a look together below.

1. Benefits of corn seedling hardening

First, it can control the plant's growth vigor, slow the aboveground growth of corn seedlings, promote strong growth, shorten the stem nodes, and improve the seedlings' lodging resistance. Second, it promotes well-developed roots; seedling hardening allows the underground root system of corn to grow and develop, promoting well-developed roots that can penetrate deeper into the soil, so the plant's lodging resistance is naturally stronger. At the same time, strong roots can also increase root vitality and the absorption of fertilizer and water, inhibit vegetative growth, and promote reproductive growth. In addition, experiments have proven that after seedling hardening, corn can generally increase yield by 7%-12%.

2. Seedling hardening techniques

The best time for corn seedling hardening is generally from emergence to the jointing stage. Seedling hardening first uses intertillage to improve soil permeability, break up soil compaction, and improve the soil's physical structure. At the same time, it disperses surface soil moisture, preserves subsoil moisture, encourages roots to grow downward, strengthens seedlings, and stabilizes soil around the plants. For plots with fertile soil and sufficient fertilizer and water, watering should be appropriately controlled to prevent excessive seedling growth. For corn sown in wheat rows, if the soil is relatively dry, appropriate watering is needed to maintain seedling growth and development.

3. Precautions

When hardening corn seedlings, three points should be noted, that is, the three no-hardening rules: harden wet soil but not dry soil, harden fertile soil but not poor soil, harden dark green seedlings but not yellow seedlings. That is to say, land with good soil moisture, sufficient fertility, and dark green seedlings is suitable for seedling hardening; otherwise, it is not suitable. Forcing seedling hardening will also affect later growth and development.

The above is an introduction to corn seedling hardening methods and precautions. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.