How much fertilizer is needed per acre for corn fields

Corn fields generally require the application of 1000-1500 kilograms of organic fertilizer, 15-20 kilograms of nitrogen fertilizer, 5-8 kilograms of phosphorus fertilizer, and 8-10 kilograms of potassium fertilizer per acre. The actual dosage needs to be adjusted based on factors such as soil fertility, corn variety, climate conditions, target yield, and fertilization method.

1. Soil fertility

The basic fertility of soil directly affects the amount of fertilizer applied. The application of organic fertilizers and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers should be increased in infertile soils, and appropriately reduced in fertile soils. It is recommended to conduct soil testing before planting and accurately mix fertilizers based on the test results. Viscous soil has a strong ability to retain nutrients and can reduce the frequency of fertilization; Sandy soil is prone to nutrient loss and requires repeated fertilization.

2. Corn varieties

There are significant differences in nutrient requirements among different varieties. High yielding varieties usually require an increase of about 20% in nitrogen fertilizer, while dense tolerant varieties require an increase in the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Early maturing varieties have a short growth period and should focus on basal fertilizers; Late maturing varieties need to strengthen topdressing during the jointing stage and the large bell mouth stage.

3. Climate conditions

Rainy areas are prone to nutrient leaching, and it is necessary to increase the frequency of fertilization and reduce the single application rate. Irrigation and fertilization should be combined in arid areas to improve fertilizer utilization efficiency. Areas with high accumulated temperature can increase nitrogen fertilizer appropriately, while areas with low temperature need to increase phosphorus fertilizer to promote root development.

4. Target yield

For yields below 500 kilograms per mu, fertilizer application can be appropriately reduced, while for yields above 800 kilograms per mu, nutrient supply needs to be increased. High yield fields should pay attention to the supplementation of trace elements, especially the combination of zinc fertilizer and boron fertilizer. The fertilization period should be adjusted according to the growth stage of corn.

5. Fertilization Method

The use of deep application techniques can reduce fertilizer loss, and the distance between fertilizer and seeds should be controlled when planting fertilizer at the same time. Drip irrigation system is suitable for integrated application of water and fertilizer, and foliar spraying can quickly supplement trace elements. Organic fertilizer should be used after it has matured, while chemical fertilizer should be avoided from being applied in a concentrated manner, which may cause seedling burning.

Fertilization of corn should follow the principle of "base fertilizer as the main fertilizer and topdressing as the auxiliary fertilizer", with base fertilizer accounting for 40% of the total nitrogen fertilizer and all phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Apply 30% of the total nitrogen fertilizer during the jointing stage, and the remaining 30% during the trumpet stage. Pay attention to the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers to avoid single fertilization. It is recommended to apply fertilizer 3-4 times on sandy soil, and 2-3 times on sticky soil. After fertilization, timely tillage and soil cultivation should be carried out. Fertilization during dry seasons should be combined with irrigation. Soil testing should be conducted regularly on plots where corn is continuously planted to prevent secondary salinization. Reasonable crop rotation can reduce fertilizer input and improve land use efficiency.