Maize (Zea mays) is a warm climate crop, but thanks to the adaptation capabilities of that species, some varieties which enable growing of maize also in the temperate climate zone have been bred.
Due to the quantity and quality of produced biomass, it belongs to plants with high nutritional requirements.
Maize is characterized by specific dynamics of nutrient uptake. Optimal nitrogen fertilization and the creation of conditions for its efficient use by plants is the basis for good yielding. Other macronutrients (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur) directly or indirectly determine the dynamics of nitrogen uptake from the soil. Therefore, the good supplying plants with these nutrients is essential for the proper growth and maturation of maize kernels.
Knowing requirements of maize and its sensitivity to deficiency of some nutrients – makes use foliar nutrition necessary. It effectively completes or corrects soil fertilization, as well as quickly mitigates the effects of inadequate nutrition of plants. For example, in temperate climate conditions, low temperature of soil and air in the early stages of plant growth limits the uptake of nutrients from the soil, especially phosphorus (P), into the deficiency of which the maize is very sensitive. Therefore, in the cultivation of this crop, foliar plant nutrition with the use of fertilizers such as PLONVIT® FOSTAR or PLONVIT® PHOSPHO is a standard. In the case when fastest supply of plants to phosphorus is needed, we recommend the GROWON® energy activator.
Microelements, which are specific catalysts of biological transformations and physiological processes, are important for proper growth and development of maize. They also have a positive impact on the uptake and efficient use of macronutrients. Although the plants take microelements in small amount, their deficiency may cause significant yield losses and deterioration of their quality. In the case of micronutrients, foliar nutrition is the basic and the most effective way of supplying plants with those nutrients. Comprehensive supply of maize with microelements is provided by specialty foliar fertilizer – PLONVIT® MAIZE.
Of all micronutrients, maize shows the greatest demand for zinc and boron. Therefore, foliar fertilizers (AMINO ULTRA® Zn-24 or MIKROCHELAT™ Zn-15 or MIKROVIT® ZINC) and boron fertilizers (MIKROVIT® BORON TURBO or MIKROVIT® BORON) are used in cultivation of maize.
Even short-term deficiency of nutrient may have a negative impact on plant growth and yield. Therefore it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the plants needs at every stage of their development. This will allow to properly feed and biostimulate them. INTERMAG’s wide range of products, allows you to develop your own individual foliar fertilization and biostimulation program, considering local soil conditions, crop intensity, stage of plant development and availability of various products.
All of these discussed actions significantly affect the yield increase and its quality parameters.
