Corn

Potassium – the basis for reliable corn yields

• A corn crop absorbs an average of 240kg of K₂O per hectare within a few weeks – until the flag leaf push at the end of July.
• Potassium (K) from liquid manure is often not sufficient to meet yield expectations.
• Mineral potassium fertilization leads to visibly better stands even under unfavorable growing conditions.
• High potassium availability in the main growing season ensures sturdy corn, pushes back stem rot and therefore prevents crop heaviness and yield losses due to lodging.
• Optimal potassium effect is only given in combination with the nutrient magnesium (Mg).

Magnesium – for full corn cobs

The magnesium requirement of the corn plant is 50-70kg/ha MgO. About two thirds of this is absorbed within 4 to 6 weeks, between row closure and flowering. The following parameters must be taken into account:

• The potassium/magnesium ratio in the soil should not exceed 2:1 to ensure optimal magnesium supply.
• Liquid manure alone, with a K/Mg ratio of 4.5:1, cannot ensure magnesium supply.
• A good magnesium supply ensures a high chlorophyll content in the leaves, which ensures the performance of the corn stand.
• High assimilation performance and improved removal of assimilates are fundamentals of full grain formation.

Sulfur – for protein formation and nitrogen efficiency

Sulfur activates important enzymes in energy and fatty acid metabolism. It is essential for the synthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids, influences overall protein synthesis and therefore has a positive effect on yield.

An optimal sulfur supply leads to efficient nitrogen utilization. This is because in the case of sulfur deficiency, the nitrogen taken up cannot be converted into proteins and a signal is sent to the roots to take up less nitrogen. Thus, to make optimal use of nitrogen, the plant's need for sulfur must be met.

Sulfur enables the corn plant to maintain its physiological processes optimally even under drought stress and to avoid or at least minimize yield losses. Sulfur is a component of the metabolic product glutathione, which, as an antioxidant, renders oxygen radicals formed during drought stress harmless and therefore prevents necrosis of the leaves. 

Boron

• Corn is one of the crops in particular need of boron (150-200g/ha boron).
• The supply of the crop via liquid manure (2g/ha boron) is completely insufficient.
• Boron is responsible for the smooth transportation of the sugars formed and for subsequent starch synthesis.
• Boron promotes the establishment and formation of cobs and grain.
• For optimum formation of the grain rows and cob, sufficient boron must be available from the 4- to 10-leaf stage.
• A good boron supply therefore shifts the corn yield in favor of the grain or cob content and therefore improves feed quality by increasing energy content or market value.

Manganese

• Like magnesium, manganese plays a key role in chlorophyll and photosynthesis.
• This can ensure optimal assimilation of the corn plant, which has a positive effect on yield.
• Manganese promotes the growth of lateral roots and therefore improves nutrient uptake from the soil.
• Only a well-supplied crop can achieve its yield potential.
• For avoiding nutrient competition, a manganese foliar fertilization should always be combined with magnesium.