Corn is a cereal grain native to the Americas. In temperate latitudes, it is most often cultivated by direct seeding. However, in more northern regions, characterized by a long spring and early frosts in the fall, seedlings are also used. It is an easy-to-grow crop. If sowing corn If the crop is grown correctly, then caring for the grain in open ground will not cause any trouble.
Description of the grain
A herbaceous annual that arrived in Russia from Mexico in the 18th century. This grain crop is classified as a cereal grain. Plant height varies depending on the variety, reaching a maximum of 7 m. Although corn is a heat-loving crop, it is also grown from seedlings in northern regions. Seed ripening begins at 10°C, and the plants tolerate short-term frosts.
Biological characteristics
The underground part is represented by a powerful root system extending 1.5 meters deep. It has two tiers. The upper roots are called buttress roots: they anchor the plant and help it obtain moisture and nutrients. The aboveground part consists of erect stems and cross-pollinated inflorescences of male and female types. During the growing season, which lasts 3-5 months, each shoot produces an average of two ears weighing 35 to 500 grams.
Choosing a corn variety
When selecting a suitable grain hybrid, several factors are taken into account: the intended use of the crop and the agroclimatic conditions for cultivation. The latter determines which ripening group the agronomist will choose. Popular varieties include:
- early hybrid "Trophy F1";
- with a rich taste "Jubilee F1";
- mid-season "Maxalia":
- "Brusnitsa" with a vegetation period of only 80 days;
- high-yielding late variety "Polaris F1".
Planting a crop
To ensure a bountiful corn harvest, careful seeding is essential. This begins with selecting the right precursors. Corn should be planted in areas where nightshades, melons, or legumes were grown last season. Legumes have the ability to accumulate nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for crops in the early stages of development.
Selecting a site and preparing the soil
Warmth-loving corn grows well in sunny areas with a high water table. The soil should be loose, allowing free air access to the roots, which promotes accelerated photosynthesis. Avoid sowing seeds in low-lying areas with compacted soil.
High fertility, necessary for realizing the genetic potential of corn, is maintained by applying fertilizers.
In the fall, the area is cleared of weeds, compost and nitroammophoska granules are spread in an even layer, and then dug up to the depth of a shovel blade.
Timing and technology of sowing
Sowing of cereals begins when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches 12°C (54°F) – this time varies by region (late April to mid-May). The seeds are pre-warmed for about 5 days at 35°C (95°F). Then, to accelerate germination, they are soaked in warm water for 24 hours. In warm climates, dry seeds are typically sown. Procedure:
- The area is loosened a day before sowing, and ammonium nitrate is scattered if necessary.
- Make furrows 7 cm deep.
- The distance between rows is 60 cm, and between plants – 40 cm.
- The prepared seed material is distributed and covered with soil.
Corn care
The crop is easy to care for. However, to obtain a bountiful harvest, especially for sweet corn varieties, it's important to adhere to proper cultivation practices, which include not only watering but also macro- and micronutrient fertilization, regular soil cultivation, and integrated plant protection.
Watering
Crops respond well to additional moisture, but it shouldn't be excessive, as this can lead to the development of fungal diseases. Plants should be irrigated with settled water during periods of severe drought. Young corn, whose root system is not yet fully developed and is unable to extract moisture from the meter-deep soil layer, also requires additional moisture.
Soil treatment
After emergence, the grain grows slowly. While the plants are young and their roots are still fragile, the spaces between the rows are loosened weekly to accelerate growth. This procedure is performed after watering to avoid damaging the root system. Its two-tiered structure should also be taken into account. The supporting roots are located in the upper soil layer, so avoid pushing garden tools too deep when loosening. At the same time, remove weeds, which compete with the crops for moisture and nutrients.
Top dressing and fertilization
After six true leaves have formed, plants are fed with nitrogen-containing fertilizers, including organic matter and agrochemicals. Cow manure infusion, compost, humus, and ammonium nitrate have shown good results. Before flowering, complete mineral fertilizers (nitroammophoska and azophoska) are applied between the rows, as phosphorus and potassium are responsible for budding and fruiting.
Protection from diseases and pests
Loose smut poses a threat to cereals, but pre-treatment of the seeds can protect crops from it. Hybrid seed is often sold pre-treated. Excessive soil moisture can cause rot and fusarium wilt on the shoots. These can be controlled by spraying with fungicides, but only before the ears begin to form. Pests that attack shoots include the stem borer and the Swedish fly. Insecticides are the most effective.
Corn is a healthy crop that produces good yields even in garden beds. The key is to choose the right variety and plot, and follow proper care throughout the growing season.