Nitrogen is essential for plant growth being one of the main building blocks of proteins. In grain maize, the highest yields generally come from N-rates of 200-250kg/ha. Rates need to be high enough to maximise plant growth. Lack of nitrogen results in short cobs with a low number of grains.
Increasing Maize Grain Number and Size
Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron have a particular impact on grain set and size, thereby influencing maize yield.
Crop Nutrition and Maize Grain Number and Size
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Applications up to 150kg/ha of P2O5 provide positive yield responses in trials on low P index soils However, even at very high P index soils a starter application of about 20kg P2O5/ha is required to achieve high yields.
Potassium and Phosphorus
Boron
Boron is involved in cell extension, pollen tube growth and hence has a direct effect on grain set. A lack of boron can lead to a restricted grain set, with the cob having many missing kernels and a few large grains. Foliar or soil applied boron during stem elongation (V5 to V7) can contribute to higher maize grain yield.
Recommended Yara Fertilizer for Maize
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YaraBela AXAN
27% N + 3.6% S - Uniform compound granular nitrogen and sulphur fertilizer for use on all crops.
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YaraBela CAN
27% N - Granular calcium ammonium nitrate based nitrogen fertilizer for use on any crop.
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YaraVita MAIZE BOOST
A liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing a high concentrations of phosphate together with zinc, magnesium and potash for foliar application to maize and other crops.
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YaraVita FOLIAR POTASH
A liquid foliar fertilizer containing 500 g/l potash for foliar application to provide additional potassium or correct potash deficiencies in a wide range of crops.
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YaraVita BORTRAC 150
A liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing 150 g/l boron for foliar application to provide additional boron or to treat boron deficiencies in a wide range of crops.
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YaraVita ZINTRAC 700
A fully formulated flowable liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing 700 g/l zinc for foliar application to prevent and treat zinc deficiency on a wide range of crops.
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YaraVita THIOTRAC 300
A fully formulated liquid fertilizer solution containing 300 g/l sulphur for foliar application to prevent and treat sulphur deficiencies on a wide range of crops.