Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture

How to Grow Corn?

Contributed by Dr. Geraldin C. Sanchez / Ms. Mary Grace Gatan Sunday, 16 December 2007 Last Updated Monday, 10 March 2008

About this module This module discusses steps on how to grow corn from site selection and land preparation, planting, irrigation, shallow cultivation, side dressing up to harvesting.

Module outline

• What are soil and climatic requirements in growing corn? • How to select site and do land preparation? • What kind of fertilizer is needed? • How to plant corn seed? • When is the best time to irrigate? • How is shallow cultivation and weed control done? • When is the right time to harvest corn?

Learning Objectives

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Discuss soil and climatic requirements of corn • Explain site and land preparation • Tell what kind of fertilizer is needed • Describe how corn seeds are planted • Explain the best time to irrigate corn. • Discuss how shallow cultivation and weed control is done. • Discuss the right time to harvest corn.

What are the soil and climatic requirements in growing corn?

Corn production is best suited in well drained soil with a texture of silt loam. The soil should have high moisture holding capacity and high amount of organic matter. The optimum soil pH for corn production is from 6.0 to 7.0. When soil pH is less than 5.5, many nutritional and growth problems begin to develop. Soil acidity problems may be corrected by adding lime to the soil.

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Corn requires a rainfall of not lessthan 200 mm. Irrigation should be provided in time of moisture deficiency.

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How to select site and do land preparation?

Corn is planted in a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Plow the field two weeks before planting to induce decomposition of weeds.

Prepare the field by using a garden forch or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix a 2” to 4” layer of compost ar aged manure. Immediately before planting, make furrows 75 cm apart and at least 6 cm deep.

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What kind of fertilizer is needed?

Apply the recommended rate of basal fertilizer on the furrows and cover thinly with soil. A typical fertilization rate, if fertilizer source is urely inorganic would be 120 – 90 -90 which would mean about 13 bags of complete (14 -14 14) and 1.3 bags of urea (46 – 0 – 0) per hectare.

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How to plant corn seeds?

Plant seeds by hand or by using jabber planters (one seed/hill). the seeds can be planted at a distance of 16 cm corresponding to about 80,000 plants/hectare. This would mean about 1 and bags seeds per hectare. Corn seeds ar planted in blocks at least 4 rows with 2 to 4 feet between rows, sowing the seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart.

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When is the best time to irrigate?

Corn is usually planted rain fed condition. However, it could also be produced in rice paddies after the wet season. In such case, the field should be irrigated at planting time to ensure germination and seedling establishment. Flush irrigate (3 to 4 times) during critical production periods to ensure optimum yield. Provide at least 1 inch of water a week.

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How is shallow cultivation and weed control done?

Two weeks after planting, shallow cultivation is needed. Frequent shallow cultivation is needed until the plants are knee high to control weeds. This can be done using either a tractor or animal drawn cultivator. Spot weeding between furrows should be done when necessary.

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When is the right time to harvest corn?

Corn is ready for harvesting when a black layer develop at grains' point of attachmentto cob, kernels are glazes, and leaves and husks are dry.

Harvest at the appropriate stage depending on the maturity of your variety of hybrid 90-95 days for early and 105 -110 days for full season.

After harvest, promptly dry the ears top 18% moisture content for efficient shelling. This can be done hrough sundrying for 2 - 3 days or mechanical drying for 6 – 8 hours.

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For more information, please contact:

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Mrs. Mary Grace B. Gatan Subject Specialist Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Pampanga Agricultural College

and

Dr. Geraldine C. Sanchez Content Developer OPAPA-Pampanga Team PAC-BAR Information, Education and Communication Center Pampanga Agricultural College Magalang, Pampanga Philippines 2011 Tel. no. (045) 866 - 1029

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