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.
How to prepare for a successful maize crop
Here are a series of five simple steps that will help to optimise maize nutrition. Following these five steps will help identify any limiting factors and allow a robust crop nutrition programme to be prepared. This will maximise the yield and quality of your forage maize crop.
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 soil 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. Implement 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. Foliar crop nutrition can help keep plants growing during periods of limited uptake of nutrients from the soil.
This test provides information on: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn.
Recommended products
The following foliar products are recommended for maize. Applying multi-nutrient mixtures generally ensures no single micronutrient deficiency is overlooked.
Pay more attention to maize foliar nutrition
Paying more attention to forage maize foliar nutrition, particularly phosphate and zinc will improve crop establishment and early growth resulting in higher yield and better quality forage.
Related agronomy advice
Looking for even more information ...
If you would like more information and would like to speak to one of our area managers or agronomists please find all their contact details here.
Contact your local Yara area manager or agronomist
Where can I buy Yara fertiliser ...
If you would like to find your nearest Yara supplier or merchant simply use this searchable map with all their contact details here.
