In recent years, as corn production has steadily increased, raising planting density and expanding the number of harvested ears have become key strategies to achieve high yields. However, with higher planting densities, the problem of lodging—where plants fall over due to wind or rain—has become more severe. For example, in Hebei Province in 2008, over 1.5 million mu of corn were affected by lodging, which had a negative impact on achieving stable and high yields. The challenge now is how to improve 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 more resistant to lodging. A variety’s susceptibility to lodging is closely related to its physical characteristics. Generally, taller plants with higher ear positions are more prone to falling over. Plants with thin stalks and weak root systems are also at greater risk. While no variety is completely immune to lodging, some are more resilient than others, depending on their genetic traits.
The timing of sowing also plays a crucial role. During the tasselling stage, when the plant has reached a certain height and the stem is still relatively weak, it becomes vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain. For spring maize, adjusting the sowing date can help avoid these adverse weather conditions. Similarly, for summer maize, late planting can lead to taller, more fragile plants that are more likely to lodge. Therefore, it's advisable to plant summer maize earlier, following wheat harvest, to ensure better growth conditions.
Increasing row spacing can also help reduce lodging risks. Although various planting patterns exist, such as wide-row or narrow-row configurations, increasing the distance between rows improves air circulation and light penetration, which supports stronger stem development and reduces wind resistance. It is generally recommended to keep row spacing around 70 cm, not less than 60 cm.
Applying potassium fertilizer is another important practice. With the widespread use of nitrogen fertilizers, balancing them with potassium can significantly strengthen the stalks and reduce the likelihood of lodging. Potassium should be applied early, either as a seed fertilizer or at the seedling stage. A typical application rate is 10–20 kg per acre of potassium sulfate or chloride, depending on soil conditions.
Seedling practices, such as controlled drought, root pruning, and limited nitrogen application, can help regulate plant growth and promote stronger root development. These measures are most effective during the early seedling stage and should stop before the jointing phase. In Hebei, this technique is commonly used for spring maize, but less so for summer maize due to the upcoming hot and rainy season.
Topdressing with nitrogen should be carefully managed. While nitrogen promotes ear development and increases yield, excessive application during the jointing stage can cause the lower stems to elongate too quickly, increasing lodging risk. Therefore, it's better to delay nitrogen application until the "big bell-mouth" stage, ensuring both good ear development and reduced lodging chances.
Soil cultivation, such as hilling up the soil around the base of the plants, helps strengthen the roots and improve the plant's ability to resist falling over. This practice is typically done before the jointing stage, with a cultivation depth of 5–8 cm and a ridge height of 8–10 cm.
Finally, chemical regulators like Jindele or Teng Tianbao can be used to control plant height and reduce lodging risk. However, these should be used according to manufacturer guidelines to avoid phytotoxicity. They are considered a “passive†measure and require careful application in terms of timing, concentration, and method.
By combining these strategies, farmers can effectively manage lodging issues and maintain high-yield corn production even under dense planting conditions.
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