Key Elements for Maximum Yield By Charles Walters and Esper K. Chandler If you’re looking for a basic checklist to ensure you are maximizing your corn yields, here are some ideas. Build your own checklist using these tips: During Early Start Use good vigorous seed. Aid plants with a small amount of high-P pop-up fertilizer in the furrow with a balance of all nutrients and plant growth stimulators (hormones) such as 1-2 oz. of PGR-IV or equivalent (such as enzymes, microbes, energy and humic acid 1-2 pts./ac.). At Early Growth Physiologically, the number of rows of grain are fixed during the embryo stage before the plant has 7 leaves (12 inches tall). Prior to this at the three to four leaf stage, analyze for nutrients in the whole plants. Applying corrective foliar application of nutrients, hormones, enzymes, humic acid and other plant growth aids can help plants overcome weather and other field stresses to optimize genetic yield potentials. Creating a routine every year focused on yields is a best practice for all farmers. At Boot Stage Analyze the nutrients in the youngest mature leaf. Just prior to pollination apply plant growth stimulators (hormones) plus needed foliar nutrients (especially zinc and other growth enhancers), which can stimulate roots and the entire plant functions to boost yields. After Pollination Analyze the nutrients in the ear leaf. When silks first turn brown and the grain is filling, supplemental nutrients, especially readily available N (and other aids) in foliar or irrigation application, may greatly increase yields by filling all the grains on the ear. SUPPORT ECO-AGRICULTURE INFORMATION FOR THE WORLD Make a Donation Any one of these or a combination of all has been shown to increase profits! Source: Ask the Plant SUPPORT ECO-AGRICULTURE INFORMATION FOR THE WORLD The freedom to pass information between generations, communities and neighbors is one of the foundations of regenerative agriculture. This is why the educational leaders at Acres U.S.A., founded in 1971, created EcoFarmingDaily.com: a free tool for farmers, ranchers and growers to learn specific tactics related to their trade. Make a Donation For tax deductible donations, click here.