How to water corn?

Corn is a moisture sensitive crop. This plant needs moisture from the moment the seeds are planted. Dryness of the soil, as well as excessive moisture, should not be allowed. Irrigate corn correctly, the yield directly depends on this. Monitor soil moisture at all times to improve root development and photosynthetic productivity.

The seedling potting mix should be moist at all times. For this purpose, on the eve of planting, an aquasorb (the so-called hydrogel) is added to the substrate. He is responsible for regulating humidity. Swelling, its crystals first select moisture, and then give it to the hatching sprouts.

The frequency of irrigation when using the hydrogel can be reduced by 3-5 times. This is how corn seedlings are grown. To do this, use special cassettes. They are equipped with stands so that the roots of the plant do not reach the ground through the drainage holes. Otherwise, they "cling" to the ground and when transferring seedlings from cassettes, it will be necessary to damage the entire root system.

As a result of damage, the survival rate will decrease, growth retardation and an increase in the timing of the appearance of heads of cabbage are possible. But all gardeners strive to get the harvest as early as possible.

Agricultural experts believe that maize should be watered according to its growing season. There are 4 periods in total.

1. From the moment of emergence of shoots to 7-8 leaves - approximately 25 days. The roots are still underdeveloped, and the plant has enough moisture in the amount of 20-25 m3 / ha daily.
2. From 7-8 leaves to panicle pasture - about a month. Much more water is needed, about 35-40 m3 / ha per day.
3. From the appearance of panicles to coarsening of the threads. Here corn is actively growing and needs 45-55 m3 / ha for about 20 days.
4. From darkened filaments to young ears. This period lasts 17-25 days. The amount of moisture consumed per day is reduced to 30-38 m3 / ha.

The greatest danger to corn is the lack of moisture in the ground in the critical phase - at the final stage of leaf ripening, the entire period of "panicle formation" and "flowering". In the event of a drought that lasts for several days, the yield may decrease by 20% or more.

To close the moisture at the roots of plants, they resort to mulching. This technology is called dry irrigation. Neglecting it is fraught with a decrease in yield in dry summers. If the year is dry, the corn will not produce juicy cobs. But this culture is recommended to be consumed precisely during the period of milk maturity, when the grains are filled with delicate juice.

Harrow very carefully, try to turn the ground into "fluff". Loosen the soil between the rows at all times.

Warm water is used for watering seedlings in cassettes. The addition of potassium permanganate to it is welcomed, while the liquid should turn into a pale pink shade.

This component contributes to the disinfection of the earth from pathogenic bacteria. If you soak the seed in warm water, it will hatch faster, seedlings will appear 7 days earlier.

Regular water is suitable for irrigating mature plants.

Watering corn in the open field is best done with a drip method. The pipeline with water is placed at a depth of 2-3 cm.The optimal distance between the holes in them is 20-30 cm.

The wetting of the corn rows in this way is uniform and continuous. The recommended rate of liquid for one irrigation is 35-40 cubic meters. m per hectare.

Drip irrigation helps to increase yields by about 60%. Sprinkler irrigation techniques are used, but much less often. Outdated sprinkler equipment is used in some domestic farms.

Give your plants good watering to keep the ears juicy. Water them every day, do not allow cracks in the ground. But don't overdo it with hydration either. If the ripening period of the crop fell on a rainy season, tirelessly loosen the soil. This will provide a good oxygen supply to the corn roots.

When the above conditions related to irrigation are met, the correct calculation of the water rate in accordance with the growing season, tasty corn cobs in large quantities will be a reward for gardeners.

Grow a bumper corn crop at the lowest cost with intelligent watering.