9 Basic Steps Towards A Bountiful Corn Harvest

9 Basic Steps Towards A Bountiful Corn Harvest

1.Choosing the appropriate variety or hybrid and securing good quality seeds

* In choosing the appropriate variety, consider adaptability to climatic conditions, potential yield, maturity resistance to insect pests and diseases, and market demand.
* Use only high quality seeds to avoid thinning of seedlings or expensive replanting operations. Seeds properly treated with insecticides, for example, can lessen damage in the field due to ants,grubs,mole crickets and birds.
* Refer to Annex 1.0 for the list of presently available commercial open-pollinated or hybrid corn varieties.Philippine Corn Varieties



2.Land preparation

* In areas where continuous growing of corn is practiced, plow the field once when the soil moisture condition permits. This is to allow plant/weed biomass decomposition and to attain thorough is essential for uniform crop stand and effective weed control.
* In areas where corn is planted after wetland rice, wait for the field to reach the right moisture condition before plowing. After plowing, flash irrigate the field before harrowing and furrowing to attain the soil tilth appropriate for upland corn growing.
* Make furrows at the day of planting 75 cm apart and 8 cm depth.
* In appropriate areas,conservation tillage systems (zero,reduced ridge and/or minimum tillage) using enhanced glyphosate can be practiced (Refer to Annex 2.0).Philippine Rice Varieties



3.Water management (in areas where irrigation is available)

* The conventional method of irrigating corn is by the furrows.
* Furrows are first made at planting time and reestablished during the hilling-up operation.
* After planting, the soil is irrigated to field capacity to provide adequate moisture for seed germination.
* The field should be irrigated again at the following critical stages:
* 4th leaf stage (12-15 days after planting)
25-30 days after planting
40-45 days after planting
55-60 days after planting
70-75 days after planting



4.Fertilization

* Determine the fertilizer group appropriate to your province/locality by referring to the DA Balanced Fertilization Recommendations.
* For options 1 and 2- combination of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers

1. Evenly apply in band all organic fertilizer along the furrows at panting time.
2. Do the same for the inorganic fertilizer and the additional nitrogen fertilizer.
3. Cover the fertilizer with 2 cm layer soil prior to planting.
4. The second split of nitrogen is applied as follows:
* for clayey soils-25 30 days after planting (or during the hilling-up operation)
* for sandy/loamy soils-one-half during the hilling-up operation and one-half at 45 days after planting.

* For options 3: Inorganic fertilizers only (follow the above procedure except for#1).
* For acidic soils, lime could be applied at the rate recommended by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) or by UP Los Baños Department of Soil Science. Plow in the lime 14-21 days before planting for thorough incorporation into the soil (Refer to Annex 3.1)Philippine Rice Varieties
A usual rate of 3 tons/ha is recommended but this varies depending on the magnitude and nature of soil acidity. Refer to Annex 3.1 for lime requirements at various pH levels for selected soils grown to corn.
* Important considerations in balanced fertilizer strategy for corn:
o Organic fertilizers are increased during the wet season
o Nitrogen is increased during the dry season
o Potash is increased during the wet season
o Periodically, fertilizer recommendations are adjusted with the increase in corn yield levels through yield calibration of the results of soil and plant tissue analysis.



5.Planting

* Three-way cross hybrids come in 18 kg bags, single cross hybrids which are small-seeded come in 16 kg bags and open pollinated varieties (OPV) are available in 20 kg bags to plant a hectare.
* For hybrids, plant 1-2 seeds/hill spaced 20 cm apart. Some hybrids with erect leaves can tolerate closer spacing of up to 15 cm.
* Use mechanical planters when available for more uniform depth of planting and emergence. The single cross hybrid seeds have smaller seed size and requires shallower depth of planting.
* In corn areas where irrigation facilities are available, flash irrigate the field immediately after planting.
* To minimize pest and disease problems, plant at almost the same period (synchronized planting) as farmers nearby to minimize pest and disease problems.



6.Thinning, cultivation and pest management
(7-20 DAP)

* Monitor pest damage and/or pest populations as well as the presence of natural enemies on weekly interval starting from 3 days after emergence. Refer to Annex 4.0 for the occurrence of pests at this growth stage and appropriate management strategies.Philippine Rice Varieties
* Do shallow cultivation or off-barring at 14 days after planting (DAP) to control weeds. Care should be taken not to damage the plants during the process.
* If the number of growing plants is beyond the expected, uproot the excess ones carefully (14-20 DAP).



7.Sidedressing, hilling up and pest management
(20-40 DAP)

* Apply the remaining amount of recommended nitrogen fertilizer (urea, ammonium fertilizer, etc.) in straight band along the furrows about 6 cm away from the plants (sidedressing).
* Cover the fertilizer immediately after application by hilling up at the original furrow depth.
* Continuously monitor the pest and the natural enemy populations at weekly intervals. Refer to Annex 4.0 for the occurrence of pests during these growth stages and appropriate management strategies.



8.Crop care and maintenance
(flowering until just before harvest/41-95 DAP)

* Continuously monitor the crop (even form seedling stage) and immediately remove and burn those with unusual signs (chlorotic streaks, mosaic, rots etc.). If the scale is epidemic, notify your technician at once.
* Follow up on the previous soil cultivation activity with spot weeding to control weeds. Take care not to injure the plants.
* Detop (removal of the stalk above the ear practiced in corn-after-rice areas for cattle feeding purpose) only after physiological maturity or black layer stage (about 80-85 DAP). Otherwise, your yield will suffer.



9.Harvesting (95-100 days after planting) and post harvest operations

* Harvest at the appropriate stage depending on the maturity of your variety or hybrid (90-95 days for early and 105-110 days for full season).
* Corn is ready for harvesting when a black layer develops at grains' point of attachment to cob, kernels are glazed, and the leaves and husks are dry.
* Different regions have their own preferred harvesting practices which are related to their accustomed method of harvest, transport, storage and available harvest and postharvest facilities. Adopt one which will assure good quality of grains.
* After harvest, promptly dry the ears top 18% moisture content for efficient shelling. This can be done through sundrying for 2-3 days or mechanical drying for 6-8 hours.
* Dry the shelled grains further to 14% moisture content for better storage.
* Store in a clean, well-ventilated dry area secure from damage by insects, rodents and weather elements(rain, direct sunlight). Provide spaces between rows or piles to allow easy inspections/hauling. Fenvelarate, Permethrin, Pirimiphos methyl, and Fenitrothion are some of the insecticides recommended by NFA against stored product insects.
* Provide dry and sanitary conditions in all phases of grain processing, transport and storage to prevent the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi.
* If corn weevil is a problem in storage, spray or dip the sacks in insecticides solution and dry them before filling with grains. Refer to annex 4.1 for the proper pesticide to use.
* Corn grains with 14% moisture content (MC), 97% purity, 3% immature seeds, and not more than 5% damage, are considered to be of good quality in the grain trade and therefore command a high price.