Corn production involves field preparation, proper watering and fertilization, and monitoring for infections and pests. Harvest time depends on the variety of corn being grown. Crop insurance can protect farmers from unforeseeable events that could harm their harvest.
Producing corn, also known as maize, requires a number of steps to successfully plant, grow, and harvest the crop. Different varieties of corn are grown in very high concentrations around the world and each requires a slightly different approach to management. Farmers also need to consider how they intend to use their corn, as this can impact their growing operations as well. Numerous nations have government agencies that provide advice and assistance with crop cultivation, including corn production.
Field preparation is the first step. This crop is often grown in rotation with other crops such as alfalfa and the farmer has to decide on the most appropriate crop rotation schedule and prepare his fields accordingly. Before sowing, the field can be worked with amendments, and the farmer chooses the sowing time according to the specific variety and climate. Corn is often planted in the spring, and farmers may choose to seed directly into the fields or start and transplant at a later date.
Once a corn crop is established, it needs to be maintained with proper watering and fertilizer. This crop has shallow roots, making soil moisture critical for corn production. If the soil is too dry, the stems will start to wilt and die. Wet soil can favor the development of fungi that can ruin the crop. Farmers also need to watch out for infections and pests that could harm or destroy their corn crop.
As corn production progresses, the farmer can make decisions about when to harvest. The silage is harvested while the plants are still green and the ears are not fully developed. For sweet corn like that eaten at the dinner table, the farmer wants to harvest before substantial starch development occurs. Field corn is harvested much later, when the ears fully ripen and begin to harden with starch. The type of corn variety can affect harvest time, as some cultivars ripen more quickly than others.
Many things can go wrong during corn production. Crops can be ruined by infections, pests or poor irrigation practices. Spent soil may not support the crop or the soil may carry infections that kill plants. The farmer may also be faced with a price crash that makes the crop less profitable to harvest. Some farmers carry crop insurance to protect them from unforeseeable events that could interfere with a harvest.
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