The main objective of summer corn seedling management is to promote strong root development and healthy plant growth, ensuring robust and uniform seedlings. This can be achieved through proper agricultural practices aimed at achieving early and vigorous growth, known as "Miaoquan, Miao Qi, Miao Zhuang."
One key measure is timely thinning and spacing of seedlings. After the emergence of seedlings, it's important to inspect them regularly. The first thinning should occur during the three-leaf stage, and the second during the five-leaf stage. By properly spacing the plants, you allow each individual to reach its full potential, which is crucial for high yields. For large-ear varieties, a planting density of 2,800 to 3,200 plants per mu is recommended, while denser varieties may require 4,000 to 5,000 plants per mu. The actual planting density should be slightly higher than the final harvest number. In low-yield areas or with early-maturing varieties, the density can be increased appropriately.
Chemical weed control is another essential practice. Herbicides should be applied before germination and after sowing, and can also be used during the seedling stage. It’s critical to choose the right type of herbicide and apply it accurately. For example, after sowing, 40% Ethofumesate or a 50% mixture of two herbicides can be applied at a rate of 150–200 ml per mu, mixed with 30–40 kg of water, and evenly sprayed on the ground. During the seedling stage, 20% of the herbicide solution can be used, with 120–150 ml per mu and 30–50 kg of water, carefully sprayed along the rows without contacting the corn plants. When applying herbicides, it's best to increase the water volume and avoid spraying during hot weather to prevent over-spraying or missed spots.
Straw mulching is also an effective method. After wheat harvest, timely cultivation and removal of crop residues help loosen the soil, retain nutrients, and improve light and air circulation. For clay soils, cultivating 2–3 times during the seedling stage helps break up compacted soil and encourage deeper root growth. Sandy loam soils may need less frequent cultivation. Once the corn reaches the five-leaf stage, wheat straw stubble can be spread evenly between the rows at a rate of 200–300 kg per mu. Covering the soil completely helps conserve moisture and improve soil structure.
Proper management of seedling fertilizer is essential. If the seedlings lack sufficient nutrients, organic, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients should all be applied at this stage. After the seedlings are established, fertilizers should be applied promptly, and top-dressing with nitrogen should be done before the jointing stage, depending on soil conditions. Typically, high-yielding fields use 30% of total nitrogen fertilizer, mid-yielding fields 40%, and low-yielding fields 60%. Nitrogen should be applied at a depth of about 10 cm, approximately 10–12 cm away from the plant base. After application, the soil should be tightly covered, and irrigation should follow to help distribute the nutrients evenly.
Pest control is also vital during the seedling stage. Corn is vulnerable to viral infections, especially during this period, and is prone to diseases like maize dwarf mosaic. Controlling weeds in the field and surrounding areas helps eliminate pests such as aphids, leafhoppers, and planthoppers, reducing disease transmission. For controlling Laodelphax striatellus and leafhoppers, 10% imidacloprid wettable powder can be applied at 20 grams per mu with 30 kg of water. To prevent rough dwarf disease, a 1.5% suspension concentrate of the disease II agent can be sprayed at 30 kg per mu. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to maintaining healthy seedlings.
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