Organic Corn Fertilizer

Corn has higher fertility needs when compared to other crops. For corn to grow and develop, soil nutrients are needed. This is why organic corn fertilizers rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and potassium (K) are especially recommended.

Choosing the Right Organic Corn Fertilizer

There are hundreds of organic corn fertilizers available in the market. Choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips on which you ought to base your organic corn fertilizer choice.

Realistic expected yields should be the basis for organic corn fertilizer needs. You may choose organic corn fertilizers according to the amount of residual nutrients in the soil as well as ammonium nitrate in irrigation water. This can be done through regular soil and irrigation water testing.

When corn lack one or more element in their soil, they exhibit certain deficiency symptoms, like yellowed leaves or purpling of corn ears. Each of these symptoms corresponds to a certain element that is absent. The best way to combat these elemental deficiencies is by applying the right organic corn fertilizer.

If the lower leaves of corn are stunted, producing a sickly yellow color, this typically means that the crop has a deficiency in nitrogen. Apply the organic corn fertilizer with urea, anhydrous ammonia, nitrate, calcium, potassium, sodium, ammonium, and urea ammonium nitrate solution.

Deficiency in phosphorus may be shown through leaves turning purple or dark green, with delayed maturity and poor development of ear. To cure this, look for the organic corn fertilizer with granular monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, and liquid ammonium phosphate.

Potassium deficiency result in burning at the lower leaf tip and margin, weak stalks, small ears, and slow growth. Organic corn fertilizers rich in potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, nitrate, hydroxide, or magnesium sulfate will help solve the problem.

Decreased stem length and mottling is a common symptom of a shortage in the mineral Zinc. Look for organic corn fertilizers with zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc chelates, zinc chloride to overcome this.

Organic corn fertilizers rich in ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, ferrous ammonium sulfate, and iron chelates will prevent your corn from developing interveinal chlorosis in its young leaves.

There are countless minerals that corn may lack and even more organic corn fertilizers to prevent such shortages.

But of course for better results, organic corn fertilizers are best used in conjunction with weed and insect control. Some manufacturers in the market are starting to produce organic corn fertilizers with "pesticidal" functions. Although this is yet to be a common additive in organic corn fertilizers, it is a convenient, two-way method to a healthier crop yield.