How many times should corn be fertilized?

Corn is an important food crop and is widely grown in my country. In the process of growing corn, in order to ensure the healthy growth and high yield of corn, it is crucial to apply fertilizers scientifically and reasonably. So how many times should corn be fertilized? Let’s learn more about it below.

How many times should corn be fertilized?

Corn usually needs to be fertilized several times throughout its growth cycle to meet its nutrient requirements at different growth stages, such as:

1. Base fertilizer

Before sowing corn, an appropriate amount of base fertilizer should be applied to provide sufficient nutrient reserves for the growth of corn. Base fertilizer is generally based on organic fertilizer , with an appropriate amount of chemical fertilizer, such as diammonium phosphate, compound fertilizer , etc.

2. Fertilizer

Fertilizer applied near or with seeds during sowing is mainly used to provide nutrients needed for seedling growth. Note that fertilizer must be separated from seeds, and it is better to fertilize deeply, with a depth of 10 cm to 15 cm being appropriate.

3. Topdressing

Topdressing of corn is mainly divided into four stages: one is to apply seedling-raising fertilizer during the corn seedling stage (3-4 leaves), one is to apply stalk-raising fertilizer during the corn jointing stage (5-9 leaves), one is to apply ear-strengthening fertilizer during the corn trumpet stage (10-13 leaves), and one is to apply grain-strengthening fertilizer during the corn tasseling and silking stage (15-17 leaves).

What are the methods of fertilizing corn?

1. Spreading

Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly on the soil surface and then work it into the soil. This method is suitable for the application of basal fertilizer, but care should be taken to avoid concentrating the fertilizer around the seeds to avoid burning the seeds.

2. Acupuncture

At sowing time or in the seedling stage, apply fertilizer into the holes in the soil and then cover with soil. This method is suitable for topdressing, and can deliver fertilizer directly to the root zone of crops, improving fertilizer efficiency.

3. Flushing method

Dissolve the fertilizer in water and spray the solution evenly onto the roots of crops through an irrigation system. This method is suitable for the application of topdressing and ear fertilizer, and can quickly replenish the nutrients needed by crops.

4. Foliar spraying

Liquid fertilizer is sprayed on the leaves of crops, and nutrients are absorbed through the leaves. This method is suitable for supplementing trace elements or quickly relieving symptoms when nutrients are deficient.



In general, correct fertilization management of corn at the right time can enable corn to absorb nutrients as quickly and efficiently as possible, thereby promoting corn growth and increasing yield.