Adaptation of the corn harvest to climate change: practices and recommendations

Climate change are a great challenge for global agriculture and corn culture is no exception. The increase in temperatures, changes in the precipitation regime and the increase in the frequency of extreme weather phenomena can influence the production and quality of production. The adaptation to these changes requires the adoption of modern and sustainable agricultural practices, intended to reduce the negative impact of the climatic conditions on corn. Find out what are the main strategies and recommendations to cultivate corn in a changing climate.

1. Impact of climate change in corn culture

corn It is a system with high and temperature requirements and climate change can negatively affect its development in different ways:

• Higher temperatures – Thermal stress can lead to poor pollination, reduce the number of grains on the pike and the decrease in production.
• Drought and water deficit – The periods of prolonged drought influence the growth of plants and reduce the accumulation of biomass.
• Extreme precipitation – Abundant rains can cause water folding, to wash nutrients and the appearance of fungal diseases.
• Increase the pressure of parasites and diseases – higher temperatures favor the development of harmful insects and diseases that affect corn.

2. Choose hybrids adapted to climatic conditions

One of the most important passages in adapting corn culture to climate change is the use of hybrids tolerant of drought and high temperatures.

• Hybrids with high drought tolerance – These varieties have a more developed radical system and greater ability to effectively use soil water.
• Hybrids with early maturity -Idio I can avoid critical drought or extreme temperatures through a shorter vegetative cycle.
• Hybrids resistant to diseases – The choice of less sensitive hybrids in diseases such as Fuzarios, elmintosporious or corn rust reduces the need for phytosanitary treatments.

3. Optimization of the rotation of crops for the benefit of corn culture

The rotation of crops is essential to maintain soil health and reduce the risks associated with climate change.

• Alternated corn with legumes (soy, peas, alfalfa) – These crops contribute to nitrogen fixation in the ground and improve its structure.
• Grain or raid cultivation before corn – These crops can help reduce infestation with weeds and pressure of specific corn diseases.
• Avoid monoculture – The continuous cultivation of corn on the same ground leads to soil exhaustion and promotes the aspect of specific parasites.

4.

In an evolution climate, the management of water resources is essential to guarantee stable efficiency.

• Implementation of irrigation by dripping – This method allows the controlled application of water directly to the root of plants, reducing the losses by evaporation.
• Collect and preserve rainwater – The use of water acquisition and storage systems can provide necessary reservations during drought periods.
• Ground milking – The application of a layer of mulch helps to maintain humidity and reduce water evaporation.
• Cultivation interspersed with roofing plants – Plants such as clover or rye can help reduce water evaporation and improve soil fertility.

5. Balanced fertilization and soil improvement

Proper nutrition helps corn to resist climatic stress and maximize productivity.

• Use of organic fertilizers -The manure and compost contribute to the increase in organic matter in the soil, improving its ability to retain water.
• The controlled application of chemical fertilizers – fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be performed according to the needs of plants and soil conditions, avoiding overdose and pollution of groundwater.
• Periodic soil tests – Soil analysis helps to identify nutritional deficiencies and the correct application of fertilizers.

6 .. protection of corn culture against parasites and diseases

Climate change can promote the development of parasites and pathogenic agents that affect the culture of corn.

• Monitoring of culture and early identification of problems – The normal inspection of plants allows rapid interventions against parasites and diseases.
• Use of biological and fungicide insecticides – Biological treatment reduces the negative impact on the environment and protects beneficial bodies.
• Practice integrated parasitic control – Combination of chemical, biological and agrotechnical measures to prevent culture infestation.

7. Sowing calendar adaptation

Climate change can influence the optimal sowing period of corn.

• Sowing first – In areas where temperatures increase, sowing previously can help avoid critical dried periods.
• Use of late hybrids – In the regions where the vegetation season has been prolonged, hybrids with a longer maturation period can be chosen to obtain higher productions.
• Tests more than sowing data – experiments with sowing in different phases can help identify the optimal period for each region.

In the end

Climate change bring significant challenges for corn culture, but farmers can take a series of measures to minimize risks and maximize production. The choice of adapted hybrids, the rotation of crops, the efficient management of water, the balanced fertilization and the protection of parasites are just some of the essential strategies for the success of a corn culture in an unpredictable climate. By implementing these modern practices, farmers can guarantee the sustainability and profitability of the corn culture, even in the conditions of a constantly evolving environment.