Table of Contents
What type of soil is best for corn?
loam
The ideal soil for corn is well drained and fertile, with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As a general rule, plant early corn in light soil (sand or loam) and later corn in heavier soil (silt or clay), when there is an option. Light soils warm up faster than heavy soils, so seed germinates more readily.
Does corn need rich soil?
Besides warm sunny weather, corn requires rich, moist soil. The ideal soil for growing corn is well-drained, preferably a sandy loam. Organic matter such as compost, leaves and grass clippings can be added to soil to improve its overall quality and improve drainage, particularly for heavy clay soil.
What are the fertilizer requirements for corn?
Many soils already contain enough potassium, magnesium and other nutrients for corn to grow healthily. An all-purpose fertilizer containing more nitrogen and phosphorus than potassium — such as a 16-16-8 ratio fertilizer — helps ensure healthy growth when applied to the soil before planting.
Does corn like manure?
Sweet corn grows best in fertile, loamy, well-drained soil where plants will receive fill sunlight throughout the day. Well-rotted manure compost, green manure crops or similar materials will improve water holding capacity of the soil and is recommended for best crop production.
Does corn hurt the soil?
Continuous corn forfeits the rotation effect on pests and leads to increased use of pesticides. Even with IPM, there is increased risk of pesticide residues in soil and water with continuous corn. Nitrogen – elevated levels in groundwater are linked to areas of corn production.
Should you fertilize corn when planting?
Fertilize the plants with a 16-16-8 liquid fertilizer when the corn plants have reached a height of 4 inches, but before it reaches 8 inches tall. Also add a few inches of organic mulch when the corn is 3 or 4 inches tall. Fertilize the plants again when they are about 10 inches tall.
What is the best starter fertilizer for corn?
Under most situations, a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus constitutes an effective starter material. Liquid 10-34-0 and dry 18-46-0 are common starter fertilizer materials. Liquid 7-21-7 and dry 8-32-16 are also commonly used.
What fertilizer is best for sweet corn?
Nitrogen fertilizer suitable for fall sweet corn should have a mineral content specifically created to enhance the corn plant’s growth. For corn, use a fertilizer labeled “16-16-8,” which describes the mineral composition in the fertilizer: 16% nitrogen, 16% phosphate and 8% potassium (following an N-P-K formula).
What is the best soil for corn plants?
The Best Soil for Corn Ideally, corn should be grown in a loamy soil that has a light mix of added sand. It should be moist, but not wet, and should have a medium soil acidity. Make sure that the soil has plenty nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and your crop will probably grow well and strong.
What is the best fertilizer for corn planting?
The best corn fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphate and potash in a fertilizer ratio of 2-1-1 or 1-1-1, according to West Virginia University’s Extension Service.
When to fertilize corn?
You should fertilize corn when planting and late in the growing season. More Info: Assuming the soil pH is unknown, when initially planting corn till into 100 square feet of soil 3-4 pounds of a commercial fertilizer such as 12-12-12.
What are the growing conditions for corn?
Corn prefers full sun and rich soil for the best growth. It likes hot weather and can handle dry conditions as long as they are not continual. While corn may be able to handle light scattered frosts, plan your planting time so that harvesting can take place before the cold season begins.