The Ultimate Guide to Corn Cultivation: Best Sowing Times, Seed Rates, and Fertilizer Application

Corn (maize) is a versatile crop that thrives in various seasons due to its photoperiod-insensitive nature. It can be cultivated in pre-kharif, kharif (monsoon), rabi (winter), and spring seasons. However, choosing the right sowing time and employing proper techniques can maximize yield and minimize pest and disease issues. This comprehensive guide covers the ideal sowing periods, seed rates, spacing, seed treatment, and fertilizer application for successful corn farming.

Ideal Sowing Times for Corn

Corn can be grown year-round, but timing is critical for optimal growth and yield. In irrigated areas during rabi and spring, ensuring water availability is key, while in rain-fed regions, sowing should align with the onset of the monsoon. Below is a table summarizing the best sowing periods for different seasons:

Seed Sowing Techniques

For efficient sowing, use treated seeds and plant them in rows using a wheel hoe, hand plow, or mechanized corn planter. Proper spacing ensures healthy plant growth and maximizes sunlight utilization. Here are the recommended guidelines:

• Row-to-Row Distance: 60-75 cm
• Plant-to-Plant Distance: 20-25 cm
• Sowing Depth: 5-6 cm
• Orientation: East-West rows for better sunlight exposure and plant population management
• Plant Density: 5-7 plants per square meter
• Gap Filling: Re-sow seeds within a week if germination fails in certain spots

Broadcast sowing is labor-intensive and makes it harder to maintain depth and plant numbers, so line sowing is preferred.

Seed Rates and Spacing by Corn Type

The seed rate and spacing vary depending on the corn variety, plant type, season, and sowing method. Below is a table outlining seed rates and spacing for different corn types:

Seed Treatment for Crop Protection

Treating seeds before sowing is essential to protect the crop from pests and diseases for the first 3-4 weeks. Soaking seeds in water for 24 hours can boost germination by up to 18%. Here are recommended seed treatment options:

1. Cyantraniliprole 19.8% + Thiamethoxam 19.8% FS (e.g., Fortenza Duo): 4 ml/kg seed
   Application: Mix 4 ml with 10-20 ml water per kg of seed.
2. Captan 50% WP (e.g., Captan, Dhanutan): 2.5 g/kg seed
3. Metalaxyl 35% WS (e.g., Frilaxyl, Apron): 2.5 g/kg seed
4. Metalaxyl-M 31.8% ES (e.g., Apron XL): 2.4 ml/kg seed
   Application: Soak seeds in a solution of 1 liter water with the recommended dose for 25-30 minutes.
5. Thiamethoxam 30% FS (e.g., Tamma, Kaziro): 8 ml/kg seed (for shoot fly control)
   Application: Mix with 10-20 ml water per kg seed.
6. Trichoderma viride 1.5% WP (e.g., Bioderma, Ecofit): 5 g/kg seed
7. Trichoderma harzianum 1% WP (e.g., Hariz, T-Harz): 10 g/kg seed
   Application: Mix 10 g in 50 ml water, coat seeds, and dry in shade for 20-30 minutes before sowing.

Fertilizer Application for Corn

Fertilizer doses should be based on soil testing. During land preparation, apply organic manure along with 6 kg/acre Azotobacter PSB for better soil health. In hilly and terai regions, apply 4-8 quintals/acre dolomite 3 weeks before sowing. In coastal areas, use 1-2 quintals/acre gypsum similarly. Nitrogen and potash should be split into three equal applications.

Recommended Fertilizer Doses (per Acre)

Base Fertilizer Combinations (per Acre)

Micronutrient Application

Based on soil tests, apply micronutrients during land preparation with organic manure:

• Sulfur: 8 kg/acre
• Zinc Sulfate: 10 kg/acre
• Borax: 4 kg/acre

If not applied initially, spray chelated zinc (0.5 g/L water) and boron (20%, 1.5-2 g/L water) twice—once at 30-35 days and again at 45-50 days—using 120 L/acre and 200 L/acre solutions, respectively.

Conclusion

Corn cultivation requires careful planning, from selecting the right sowing time to applying fertilizers and treating seeds. By following these guidelines, farmers can achieve high yields and healthy crops. Stay tuned for our next article on intercultural practices in corn farming. For more insights, click here to explore advanced corn cultivation techniques.