Improve Maize Establishment After Waterlogging

Maize growers are urged to allow fields time to fully recover following significant rainfall and flooding before commencing drilling, to ensure crops get off to the best possible start.

Severely waterlogged soils can jeopardise maize establishment and hinder effective root development, by limiting oxygen supply in the soil.

Will Andrew, South West regional manager here at Timac Agro UK, says although the recent extreme rainfall has been unprecedented, there have been patterns of dry weather occurring later in the spring year-on-year, which means it could pay to delay drilling.

He says: “There are ways growers can manage the impacts of variable weather conditions to ensure effective germination, regardless of environmental pressures.

“Prioritise making the most of farmyard manure (FYM) and strengthen its value by using an effective starter fertiliser such as Physiostart to help the crop establish well, even when drilled later on,” he says.

“FYM will play a key role in producing a profitable crop – it’s an excellent source of essential phosphate, potash, and nitrogen once the crop is up and away.”

Mr Andrew explains it is important for FYM to be well incorporated into the soil prior to drilling.

This ensures adequate breakdown and availability of nutrients for their effective uptake at germination while conditioning the soil to retain precious moisture and strengthen structure.

He says: “The plant must have an easily accessible and consistent source of nutrition from the beginning.

“That’s why it is vital to drill seed alongside a microgranular starter fertiliser, such as Physiostart, which provides an instant fix of essential soluble phosphorus and ammoniacal nitrogen from day one.”

Seeds should be drilled at a depth of 25mm to 100mm depending on moisture reserves and the soil temperature should be 10˚C at 10cm deep for seeds to thrive.

“Growers working with drier soils should aim to drill deeper for optimal maize establishment, whereas wetter soils can be drilled closer to the surface” says Mr Andrew.

“Along with planting in optimum soil conditions, using the proven technology within Physiostart acts as an insurance policy during a tricky growing season, ensuring the crop has all it needs to thrive as soon as it’s put into the ground.”

For further information on Physiostart or how our innovative solutions can improve the efficiency and profitability of your farm business, please contact your local Technical Specialist. Simply complete this form or send your postcode and question to info@uk.timacagro.com.