Investing in corn can be highly rewarding. However, you should have the basics first. For instance, understanding how corn is planted will improve your framing skills.
Also, you should familiarize yourself with tips and tricks for optimizing corn yields. Use a corn yield estimator for accurate predictions. Here are practical tips and tricks for boosting your corn yields.
Soil Fertility
One of the biggest factors of corn production is soil fertility. As a corn farmer, it’s essential to test your soil for fertility. Do it annually.
You can also do it after every two years. To boost soil fertility, consider adding phosphate and potassium. It can help boost your corn yield.
According to experts, you should practice the right nitrogen practices when growing corn. Remember, corn depends on nitrogen to grow. For high yields, ensure that there is enough nitrogen on the farm. Also, get the right nitrogen rate. Get the timing right.
Hybrid Selections
As a corn farmer, it’s important to get your seed selections right. In particular, choosing hybrid selections will boost your yields.
According to experts, hybrid sections come with easy risk management solutions. You can easily manage risks during the planting season and at the harvest.
Conduct your research before choosing any hybrid system. It’s advisable to choose a hybrid system that comes with a single maturity date. This makes it easy to manage risks through the corn forming period.
According to experts, involve your seed dealer if you want better yields. A seed dealer is experienced in reviewing different hybrids to match your explicit needs. Don’t make a haste decision. Trust experts. Let science and facts guide your decision-making process.
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Pest Control
Pests can create havoc when it comes to corn farming. Pests can drastically reduce your yields. Knowing how to deal with pests is very important. That’s why you should equip yourself with the right pest control strategies.
One of the best ways to deal with pests is growing hybrid selections. These selections come with seed genetics featuring built-in herbicides.
They feature high tolerance traits that can washstand any kind of weed. Also, consider diversifying your hybrid choices. This will spread the risks. With this technique, you can reduce the susceptibility of your corn to various diseases.
Early Seed Treatments
Your corn should be protected. Start early. Purchase the right seed treatment. This is aimed at protecting your seeds against common diseases that can negatively affect pests.
For instance, early season-based pests like corn rootworms and white grubs can drastically reduce your yields. Use a systemic treatment to offer your seed dual protection.
Optimum Planting Dates
Get it right when it comes to planting dates. In this case, ensure that you are planting at the right time. Ensure that the weather is optimal.
Make sure that the field conditions are excellent before planting the seeds. Usually, the planting season should be around April and May.
It’s also important to note that spring weather tends to change. It can be cool or dry. It can also change to warmth. Don’t plug the field during the rainy season.
It will waste your time and resources. Remember, mudding will waste time. Machines are not efficient in the mud. Besides wasting fuel, you will also lose a lot of time. Thus, getting your timing right is very important.
Seeding Rates
Seeds come with different instructions. As a farmer, it’s advisable to follow all the recommendations from your company. Remember, there are several variables involved when planting seeds.
This includes soil type, maturity dates, and production potential. Make your seeding rate depending on your field. Use the row width to determine the corn seeding population.
Weed Control
Thin long term. Employ long-term solutions when dealing with weeds in your field. Consider managing grass as well as other broadleaf weeds before the corn matures. Starting early gives your corn humble time to grow. They won’t have to compete with weeds for nutrients. Invest in pre-emergence-based herbicides.
As a rule of thumb, the weeds should be controlled before reaching 3 inches high. Remember, controlling large weeds can be difficult.
It can also take a lot of research. To allow your corn to grow well, get rid of the weeds. Corn seedlings require no competition when it comes to the sun, nutrients, and even water.
After weeding, make the corn field clear using positive emergence-based herbicides. There are a lot of options out there in the market. It’s upon you to conduct research before choosing a particular option.
Implement the right herbicide program. Use nonchemical practices when rolling out your program. Also, consider reading all the instructions. Use the herbicides as directed by the manufacturer.
Use Fungicides
Fungicides are effective in protecting the health of your plants. Using fungicides can effectively manage diseases, giving your corn optimal health. Remember, healthy corn will always produce more yields. Roll out a planned fungicide program to help protect against diseases.
Use a good disease management-based program to improve yields. The program should include seed protection as well as proper selection. Also, the program includes additional aspects such as proper fungicide application and disease management. Take a proactive role when implementing this program for better yields.
Manage Pests
Taking a proactive role when it comes to pests and weeds gives you complete control over your corn yields. As a corn farmer, you should check the fields to see if there is any emerging weed. Doing this will also help you spot emerging diseases, weeds, insects, etc.
This technique will inform your treatment decisions. You can also budget wisely. Thus, don’t wait for long. Start early. Plan ahead. Planning will help you stay in control as far as your cran farming is concerned.
The Bottom-Line
Any successful farmer pays close attention to corn yield. The higher the corn yields, the better the returns. That’s why you should always employ the right strategies to increase your corn yields.
Strategies like using hybrid selections and controlling pests will boost your corn yields. The above are key strategies for boosting your corn yields.
