Corn plant health and crop nutrition
A balanced crop nutrition is essential to maximize corn plant growth.
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Nitrogen
Nitrogen is essential for corn plant growth, being one of the main building blocks of proteins. Therefore if the initial plant growth slows, if they are slow to come to flower and have thin stalks, there might be an indication of a nitrogen deficiency.
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Potassium
Young corn plants are also most likely deficient in potassium if they are slow to develop. Potassium deficiency increases the susceptibility to stalk rot leading to shorter crops.
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Boron and Manganese
When corn plant growth is severely stunted – leaves are thinner than normal, wrinkled and weak, it indicates a boron or manganese deficiency.
![copper deficiency in corn]()
Copper
In case of a copper deficiency the tips of the new unfolding leaves are also dried-out and the stalk is often soft and limp.
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Corn nutritional summary
Learn about nutrients uptake and removal in corn crops.
Role of Nutrients by Corn Growth Stage
Corn crops require the right nutrients, at the right time, to achieve the best results possible. Here you find an overview of the role of nutrients by corn growth stages.
Increasing corn yield
The aim of every grower is high corn yield, and there are a large number of agronomic factors that can influence this, many of which are within the grower's control, given climatic and soil conditions.
Improving corn quality
Corn has different quality standards depending on the use of the crop. Good crop nutrition will ensure high protein and energy levels of grain in the corn cob. It will also help to boost the quality of the ensiled leaf material in forage crops.
