Water Quality Test Equipment,Portable Turbidity Meter,Small Portable Turbidity Meter,Desktop Digital Ph Meters CHANGZHOU RICHGENIUS MEDLAB CO.,LTD , https://www.rich-gen.com
Maize colonization
In recent years, as corn production has steadily increased, raising planting density and the number of ears per acre have become key strategies to achieve high yields. However, with higher planting densities, the problem of lodging has become more severe. For instance, in Hebei Province in 2008, over 1.5 million mu of corn were affected by lodging, which had a negative impact on both yield and stable production. The question remains: how can we improve the plant's resistance to lodging under high-density conditions, especially when faced with strong winds and heavy rains?
One effective approach is selecting varieties that are more resistant to lodging. This is largely influenced by the plant’s characteristics. Generally, taller plants with higher ear positions are more prone to lodging. Stalks that are thin or poorly rooted are also more vulnerable. While no variety is completely immune, some are more resilient than others. Choosing the right variety can significantly reduce the risk.
Sowing at the appropriate time is another important factor. Corn planted too late may be more susceptible to lodging due to strong winds and rain during its critical growth stages. For spring maize, adjusting the sowing date can help avoid these adverse weather conditions. Similarly, for summer maize, early sowing after wheat harvest helps prevent excessive height and weak stalks, reducing the likelihood of falling over.
Increasing row spacing can also help. Although different planting patterns exist, increasing the distance between rows improves air circulation and light penetration, which strengthens the base of the stalks and reduces wind resistance. A row spacing of around 70 cm is generally recommended, not less than 60 cm.
Applying potassium fertilizer is essential for strengthening the stalks. With large amounts of nitrogen being used, it's crucial to balance this with potassium. Potassium should be applied early, either as seed fertilizer or at the seedling stage. A typical application rate is 10–20 kg per acre of potassium sulfate or chloride.
Seedling practices can also help control excessive growth and promote root development, reducing lodging. These practices are most effective during the early growth stage but should stop before the jointing phase. They include moderate drought stress, root pruning, and controlled nitrogen use. In Hebei, this is mainly used for spring maize, as summer maize often faces rainy and hot conditions soon after emergence, leaving little room for such interventions.
Topdressing with nitrogen should be carefully timed. Applying it during the jointing stage can cause rapid stem elongation, increasing the risk of lodging. Instead, it's better to delay nitrogen application until the "big bell mouth" stage, which supports ear development without compromising plant stability.
Soil cultivation, such as hilling up the soil around the base of the plant, promotes stronger root systems and enhances resistance to root lodging. This should be done before the jointing stage, with a depth of about 5–8 cm and a ridge height of 8–10 cm.
Finally, chemical regulators like Jindele or Teng Tianbao can be used to control plant height and reduce lodging risk. However, they must be used according to instructions to avoid phytotoxicity. These are considered passive measures and should be used cautiously.
By combining these strategies, farmers can effectively manage lodging and ensure sustainable high yields in corn production.