Agronomy Advice
Five steps to increase maize yield and quality
Here are a series of five simple steps that will help to optimise maize nutrition so you can maximise yield and quality.
Growing forage maize shouldn't be difficult
Forage maize shouldn't be a difficult crop to grow well. Here are a series of five simple steps that will help to optimise maize nutrition so you can maximise yield and quality.
1. Conduct a broad spectrum soil analysis
Plan ahead and undertake a broad spectrum soil analysis now for your maize crop.
The a broad spectrum soil analysis provides information on: P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Na, CEC, pH and gives a lime recommendation.
This will give a full picture of the soild nutrition status and allow you to identify any possible issues early on before any deficiencies occur.
2. Optimise soil pH to increase nutrient availability
Most soils have an optimum pH of 6.5-7 which will ensure good nutrient availability
Phosphorus in particular is affected by pH and soil temperature, and foliar P in the early stages of establishment may be beneficial.
Read more on how phosphate influences the yield of forage maize
3. Conduct a manure analysis
The nutrient content of organic manures can vary widely and sending off a representative sample for analysis will provide valuable information.
Accurately and evenly apply organic manures at your target application rate.
A basic organic manure solid or liquid test includes N, P, K, Mg and DM.
A complete organic manure solid or liquid test includes N, P, K, Mg, DM, pH, Cu, Zn, S, Ca, ammonium and nitrate N.
4. Conduct a nutrient management plan
Undertake a Nutrient Management Plan with a FACTS Qualified Advisor.
Maize is a crop with a high nutrient demand which can be met from organic manures and solid and foliar fertilisers. Build a Nutrient Management Plan using the results from soil analysis and if available organic inputs to fully account for nutrients in manures.
Fertilisers should be used to balance any nutrient shortfall.
5. Conduct a broad spectrum leaf analysis
When the maize crop is growing undertake a Broad Spectrum leaf analysis.
This will give a snap shot of the crop’s nutritional status and guide a decision on the need for foliar application of essential nutrients.
Availability of nutrient in the soil to the plant can be influenced by temperature, pH, compaction, organic matter content and water content.
This test provides information on: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn.
Recommended products
The following micronutrient formulations contain mixtures of micronutrients that are typically deficient in maize. Applying these multi-nutrient mixtures generally ensures no single micronutrient deficiency is overlooked.
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