CORN

Cultivation and Fertilization of Corn

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the world’s most strategic cereal crops and a key component of Italian agriculture, with Italy ranking among the main European producers.

Corn offers remarkable versatility, as it can be used for human consumption, flour production, animal feed, or silage, utilizing the entire plant.

Drought represents the greatest risk factor, as it severely limits plant growth and productivity.

Nutritional Recommendations for Corn

Localized fertilization near the seed is highly recommended, as it promotes a strong starter effect and rapid emergence. This is typically done using granular or microgranular fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen.

Corn also benefits greatly from organic fertilization, as the mineralization of organic matter progresses in sync with the crop’s nutrient needs.

Top dressing with slow-release nitrogen fertilizers is advised to ensure nutrient availability during the crop’s key growth phases.

Potassium is a crucial element for corn, which absorbs it in significant quantities; deficiencies can negatively affect yield and plant health.

Below you will find the most effective strategies for balanced fertilization of CORN, to ensure strong plants that are less susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses and capable of achieving high productivity.