Maize

The aim of every grower is high maize yield, and there are a large number of agronomic factors that can influence this, many of which are within the grower's control, given climatic and soil conditions.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron have a particular impact on grain set and size, thereby influencing maize yield.

Along with the major macronutrients that influence grain number and size, grain maize yield is dependent on several micronutrients.

Forage maize is cut and chopped by forage harvesters and then promptly ensiled in a clamp under anaerobic conditions.

Maize has different quality standards depending on the use of the crop. Good crop nutrition will ensure high protein and energy levels of grain in the maize cob.

Good crop nutrition will ensure high protein levels of grain in the maize cob. The correct balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and zinc will improve grain protein and thereby maize grain quality.

Forage maize provides one of the highest sources of energy for feeding to livestock.

Nitrogen and potassium are the most important nutrients to be considered when it comes to increasing maize resistance to lodging and frost.

Any maize cob abnormality needs to be analysed before it can lead to severe maize yield losses.

Nitrogen is essential for maize plant growth, being one of the main building blocks of proteins. Therefore if the initial plant growth slows, if they are slow to come to flower and have thin stalks, there might be an indication of a nitrogen deficiency.

When young maize leaves turn pale yellow - or light green -, have thin stalks and are slow to come to flower, it might be a nitrogen deficiency. The older plants exhibit a ‘V – shaped’ yellowing at the tips of leaves and older leaves show symptoms first, with these tips and mid-ribs eventually senescing.

Even though some maize varieties have a natural purple pigmentation and low temperatures can disturb the plant's metabolism, leading to similar symptoms, purpling of maize leaver can be caused by nutrient deficiency.

Knowledge of nutrients uptake and removal in maize crops will help you to determine the best nutrition program for your crop.