1、Zinc Deficiencies and Fertilization in Corn Production

Very early zinc deficiency may be induced by cold, wet soil conditions that limit corn root growth and available zinc. In such cases, zinc deficiency may be exhibited on early leaves, but not on later leaves that develop when the soil begins supplying and the roots begin extracting more zinc.

2、8 Micronutrient Foliar Sprays: What Growers Should Know

Zinc Foliar Spray Timing: The best time to apply zinc is alongside a post-emergence herbicide application. This often happens at V4-V5 in corn and soybeans. Glyphosate is a powerful chelator and can grab onto available zinc, rendering it unavailable. This can induce a deficiency in the crop.

3、What Is the Best Time to Apply Foliar Fertilizer? For Maximum Yield

A: The best time to apply foliar fertilizer depends on several factors, including plant growth stage, weather conditions, soil nutrient levels, and crop type. Generally, foliar fertilizer application is most effective during the vegetative and flowering stages.

How to Correct a Zinc Deficiency in Corn with Foliar Feeding

Successful foliar feeding relies on precise timing and technique. The ideal window for foliar zinc is V3 to V6 growth stages. This period is critical for root development and ear formation. While later applications (V7-V10) can still help, earlier intervention maximizes yield recovery.

Best Time to Spray Foliar Fertilizer: Maximize Plant Health

The best time to spray foliar fertilizer is early morning or late afternoon. These periods ensure optimal nutrient absorption and minimal evaporation.

When to foliar spray, does the time of day matter

As part of Beck’s Practical Farm Research program, they’ve tested time of day of application of foliar nutrition products across multiple locations for the past three years.

Foliar fertilizer facts: timing and temperature

All were applied during the V4 to V5 growth stage in corn, as this is the timing in which that is determined in corn. Now that Beck’s PFR has established a list of foliar products that work, the next question they set out to evaluate was if there is a time of day when these products perform best.

Optimum Timing of Foliar Nutrient Sprays

For an optimum yield response to foliar fertilization it is possible that the optimum growth stage of the plant for the timing of foliar nutrient sprays does not necessarily fall within the recommended time interval as dictated by pesticide spraying.

Fertilizer Application Times

For plant spikes and granular formulas, the best time of day to fertilize is when you are watering so the nutrients can start to break down and get to the plant's roots. This also prevents root burn.

What Is the Best Time to Spray Foliar Fertilizer? For Optimal Plant

The best time to spray foliar fertilizer depends on various factors, including climate, plant species, and soil type. Generally, the ideal time to spray foliar fertilizers is during the growing season, when plants are actively growing and developing.

Corn is one of the world's most important food crops, and its yield and quality significantly impact agricultural economies. Applying zinc foliar fertilizer is an effective nutrient supplementation method that can substantially enhance corn growth rates, disease resistance, and productivity. Below is a detailed guide on the optimal timing for spraying zinc foliar fertilizer on corn:

1. Choosing the Optimal Spray Timing

1. Early Growth Stage

• Seedling Stage: The first application should be conducted 2-4 weeks after sowing, when corn seedlings have developed two true leaves. Spraying zinc foliar fertilizer at this stage provides essential micronutrients for young plants, promotes root development, and strengthens overall stress resistance.
• Tillering Stage: During the tillering phase (from jointing to tasseling), corn plants enter a rapid growth phase with increased nutrient demands. Spraying zinc here supports robust stem development and ear formation.

2. Maturity Stage

• Tasselling Stage: From flowering to pre-pollination, zinc demand peaks. Spraying during this period meets maturity-stage nutritional needs, ensuring grain plumpness and higher yields.
• Grain-Filling Stage: A critical phase for yield determination, spraying zinc during grain filling ensures adequate zinc absorption by kernels, improving grain quality and productivity.

2. Implementation Methods

1. Soil Conditions

• Soil pH: Adjust zinc concentration based on soil pH. For acidic soils, increase zinc dosage; for alkaline soils, reduce it.
• Soil Fertility: Use lower doses for fertile soils and higher doses for nutrient-poor soils.

2. Weather Conditions

• Temperature: Avoid spraying in high temperatures to prevent zinc volatilization. Reduce frequency or skip applications during heatwaves.
• Humidity: In rainy or humid conditions, choose appropriate timing to avoid rainfall washing away the fertilizer.

3. Corn Varieties

• Varietal Zinc Requirements: Different corn varieties have varying zinc needs. Select spray timing and dosage based on the specific variety’s nutritional demands.

3. Key Considerations

1. Fertilizer Dosage

• Avoid Overapplication: Excessive zinc can harm the environment and soil. Control dosage meticulously to prevent overuse.
• Timing Adjustments: Adjust dosage and timing according to growth stages and soil conditions.

2. Compatibility with Other Fertilizers

• Balanced Nutrient Application: Combine zinc foliar fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to meet corn’s comprehensive nutritional needs.
• Avoid Mixing with Pesticides: Zinc may interfere with pesticide efficacy, so apply separately.

3. Environmental Protection

• Minimize Pollution: Use eco-friendly products and follow instructions to reduce environmental impact. Avoid direct spraying on crops to prevent contamination.
• Waste Management: Dispose of leftover fertilizer responsibly, repurposing waste for compost or organic fertilizers.

The best times to spray zinc foliar fertilizer on corn are during early growth (seedling and tillering stages) and maturity (tasselling and grain-filling stages). Maximize effectiveness by considering soil conditions, weather, and corn varieties. Prioritize controlled dosage, balanced nutrient integration, and environmental safety to achieve high-quality, high-yield corn production.