Nutrient Requirements For Maize

        In recent years, corn cultivation areas have gradually increased as it has become more profitable compared to other crops such as potatoes and onions due to its relatively low production cost. In Myanmar, corn is mainly cultivated in the central regions and Shan State.

       If the right climate and growing conditions are provided, achieving high yields depends on the farmer’s expertise and proper crop management. Among these, managing nutrient requirements throughout the corn’s life cycle is one of the most critical aspects of successful corn cultivation.

     Corn is a crop with high nutrient demands. If nutrients are not supplied sufficiently, yields can be reduced by up to 60%. Corn plants especially require high amounts of nitrogen and potassium, along with essential nutrients like sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.

Nitrogen

       About 75% of nitrogen is needed during the vegetative growth stage (before tasseling). If nitrogen is insufficient at this stage, the growth of the stalk and leaves may be stunted, and the formation of kernels may be negatively affected, which can reduce overall yield. The remaining nitrogen requirement is during the flowering and kernel filling stages.

Potassium and Phosphorus

       About 50% of potassium is needed during the vegetative growth stage. Around 45% of phosphorus is required during flowering and milk stages, which is also when phosphorus demand is at its highest. It is essential to apply the nutrients at the right time to meet the plant’s needs during each critical stage.

Organic Fertilizer

      Before planting corn, 3 to 5 tons per acre of organic fertilizers such as cow dung or compost should be incorporated into the soil. To improve both physical and chemical properties of the soil, well-decomposed natural compost and green manure should be applied to the topsoil annually.

      To prevent seed-borne and soil-borne diseases, appropriate fungicides should be used to coat the seeds before sowing.

Soil Preparation

At the time of soil preparation, the following chemical fertilizers should be applied per acre:

• 1 bag (112 lbs) of Urea
• 1 bag (112 lbs) of T-Super (Triple Superphosphate)
• Half a bag (56 lbs) of Potash
• At around 20–21 days of plant age (at the inter-cultivation stage), apply:
• 56 lbs of Urea
• 28 lbs of Potash per acre

• 1 bag (112 lbs) of Urea
• 28 lbs of Potash per acre