In recent years, with the continuous growth in corn production, increasing planting density and expanding the number of harvested ears have become key strategies to achieve high yields. However, as planting density increases, the problem of lodging has become more severe. For instance, in Hebei Province in 2008, over 1.5 million mu of corn were affected by lodging, which had a negative impact on both yield and stable production. The challenge now is how to enhance the plant’s resistance to lodging while maintaining high-density planting, especially under windy and rainy conditions.
One effective approach is selecting varieties that are resistant to lodging. A variety's susceptibility to lodging is closely related to its physical characteristics. Generally, taller plants with higher ear positions tend to be more prone to lodging due to an unstable center of gravity. Plants with thin stems or weak root systems are also more likely to fall over. While no variety is completely immune, choosing the right type can significantly reduce the risk.
The timing of sowing also plays a crucial role. Corn that is planted too late may experience lodging during periods of strong wind and rain. For spring maize, adjusting the sowing date to avoid these conditions can help. In the case of summer maize, early planting after wheat harvest is recommended to prevent the plants from becoming too tall and weak, which makes them more vulnerable to falling over.
Increasing the row spacing appropriately can also help. While various planting patterns exist, such as wide-row or narrow-row, proper spacing improves air circulation and light penetration, promoting stronger stalk development and reducing wind resistance. Row spacing should ideally be around 70 cm, not less than 60 cm.
Applying potassium fertilizer is another important practice. With excessive nitrogen use in many areas, balancing it with potassium can strengthen the stalks and reduce lodging risk. Potassium should be applied early, either as seed fertilizer or at the seedling stage. A typical rate is 10–20 kg per acre, using either potassium sulfate or chloride.
Seedling practices, such as moderate drought stress or root pruning, can help control excessive stem growth and encourage better root development. These techniques are most effective for spring maize, as summer maize often enters hot and rainy seasons quickly, leaving little time for such interventions.
Topdressing with nitrogen should be done carefully. Applying large amounts of nitrogen during the jointing stage can cause rapid stem elongation, increasing the risk of lodging. It is better to delay nitrogen application until the "big bell mouth" stage, which promotes ear development without compromising plant stability.
Soil cultivation, particularly earthing up before the jointing stage, helps strengthen the root system and improve the plant's ability to resist lodging. The soil should be cultivated to a depth of about 5–8 cm, with the ridge height reaching 8–10 cm.
Lastly, chemical regulators like Jindele or Teng Tianbao can be used to control plant height and reduce lodging risk. However, they must be used according to instructions to avoid phytotoxicity. This method is considered a "passive" measure and requires careful handling.
By combining these strategies, farmers can effectively manage lodging and ensure stable, high-yield corn production.
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