When is the best time to fertilize corn seedlings

Corn seedlings generally have the best fertilization effect during the early growth and jointing stages. The timing of fertilization mainly depends on factors such as the growth stage of corn, soil fertility, climatic conditions, planting density, and fertilizer types.

1. Early growth stage

The 3-5 leaf stage after emergence is the critical period for the first fertilization of maize seedlings. At this point, the corn root system begins to develop and requires a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer. Applying an appropriate amount of quick acting nitrogen fertilizer can help promote the robust growth of seedlings. You can choose urea or compound fertilizer, and water it promptly after fertilization to improve fertilizer utilization efficiency.

2. The jointing stage

is the second important fertilization opportunity for corn, which is about 8-10 leaves after entering the jointing stage. At this stage, the corn stem elongates rapidly and requires a large amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supplementation. It is recommended to use high nitrogen compound fertilizer, combined with tillage and soil cultivation, which can meet nutritional requirements and enhance lodging resistance.

3. Soil Fertility

Poor soil requires an increase in the proportion of base fertilizer and early fertilization during the seedling stage. For fertile soil, the first fertilization can be postponed appropriately. Sandy soil has poor fertilizer retention ability and should be fertilized in small amounts multiple times; For heavy soil, the amount of single fertilization can be appropriately increased. 4. Climate conditions: Fertilization before the rainy season can reduce nutrient loss, while fertilization during the dry season should be combined with irrigation. Quick acting fertilizers should be chosen in low temperature weather, while slow-release fertilizers should be selected in high temperature and rainy seasons. Avoid fertilizing during heavy rainfall or strong winds.

5. Fertilizer Types

The base fertilizer is mainly composed of organic fertilizer combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and the topdressing during the seedling stage focuses on nitrogen fertilizer. The topdressing during the jointing stage requires a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Foliar fertilizer can be used as a supplement by spraying trace element fertilizers during the critical growth period of corn. Slow release fertilizers are suitable for one-time basal application. Fertilization of corn should be flexibly adjusted according to field growth, and it is recommended to regularly monitor soil nutrient content. During the seedling stage, intercropping and weeding can be combined to improve fertilizer efficiency, and soil should be promptly cultivated after topdressing during the jointing stage. Pay attention to the combination of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer to avoid soil compaction caused by single fertilization. Drip irrigation fertilization technology can be used in arid areas, while in rainy areas, fertilizer leaching should be prevented. Reasonable fertilization can not only increase corn yield, but also improve grain quality and reduce environmental pollution risks.