In recent years, as corn production has steadily increased, boosting planting density and expanding the area of harvested ears have become key strategies for achieving high yields. However, with higher planting densities, the issue of lodging—where plants fall over due to wind or rain—has become more severe. For example, in Hebei Province in 2008, over 1.5 million mu of corn were affected by lodging, which had a negative impact on both yield and stable production. The challenge now is how to enhance plant resistance to lodging while maintaining high-density planting, especially under windy and rainy conditions.
One effective approach is selecting lodging-resistant varieties. A variety's susceptibility to lodging largely depends on its physical characteristics. Generally, taller plants with higher ear positions are more prone to falling over. Stalks that are thin or poorly rooted are more likely to break or fall. While no variety is completely immune to lodging, some are more resistant than others. Choosing the right variety can significantly reduce the risk.
The timing of sowing also plays an important role. Corn planted too late may be vulnerable during periods of heavy rain or strong winds. For spring maize, adjusting the sowing date can help avoid these unfavorable weather conditions. In contrast, summer maize should be sown early after wheat harvest to prevent excessive growth under hot and rainy conditions, which can weaken the stalks and increase the risk of lodging.
Increasing row spacing appropriately can also help. Wider rows improve air circulation and light penetration, promoting stronger stem development and reducing the likelihood of lodging. It is generally recommended to keep row spacing around 70 cm, not less than 60 cm, especially under high-density conditions.
Applying potassium fertilizer is another crucial practice. With large amounts of nitrogen being used, it's essential to balance this with potassium to strengthen the stalks and reduce lodging. Potassium should be applied early, either as seed fertilizer or at the seedling stage. A typical application rate is 10–20 kg per acre of potassium sulfate or chloride, depending on soil fertility.
Seedling practices can also help control excessive growth and promote root development. These measures are most effective when applied during the seedling stage but should stop before the jointing stage. Techniques like moderate drought stress, root pruning, and controlled nitrogen use can be beneficial. This method is particularly suitable for spring maize in Hebei, as summer maize often enters the rainy season too soon for such interventions.
Topdressing with nitrogen should be carefully timed. Applying too much nitrogen during the jointing stage can cause rapid base stem elongation, increasing the risk of lodging. Therefore, it’s better to delay nitrogen application until the "big bell-mouth" stage, which supports ear development without compromising plant stability.
Soil cultivation, such as hilling up the soil around the base of the plants, promotes better root development and enhances the plant’s ability to resist lodging. This should be done before the jointing stage, with a cultivation depth of about 5–8 cm and a ridge height of 8–10 cm.
Finally, chemical regulators like Jindele or Teng Tianbao can be used to control plant height and reduce lodging. However, these should be used strictly according to instructions to avoid phytotoxicity. They are considered a passive measure and require careful handling.
By combining these strategies, farmers can effectively manage lodging and ensure stable, high-yield corn production even under challenging environmental conditions.
*Note: The author is an expert from the Ministry of Agriculture's Corn Expert Steering Group, head of the Hebei Provincial Corn Expert Advisory Team, and chief maize expert for the National Grain Production Project in Hebei.*
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