Corndrip irrigationsystems have established maturemaintenancemanagement andirrigationplans, which can effectively increase corn yield and reduce daily maintenance labor costs. Below, CHENGSA Holdings explains common water and fertilizer technical solutions for drip-irrigated corn.

       Taking common areas in Xinjiang as an example, for a target yield of 1000~1100kg of corn kernels per 667m², under drip irrigation conditions, water is applied 8~10 times throughout the growth period, with a total drip water volume of 300~350m³ per 667m². In low-fertility areas, the recommended application rate for nitrogen fertilizer (N) is 19~21kg per 667m², phosphate fertilizer (P₂O₅) is 8~9kg per 667m², and potash fertilizer (K₂O) is 4~5kg per 667m². In medium-fertility areas, the recommended application rate for nitrogen fertilizer (N) is 17~19kg per 667m², phosphate fertilizer (P₂O₅) is 7~8kg per 667m², and potash fertilizer (K₂O) is 3~4kg per 667m². In high-fertility areas, the recommended application rate for nitrogen fertilizer (N) is 15~17kg per 667m², phosphate fertilizer (P₂O₅) is 6~7kg per 667m², and potash fertilizer (K₂O) is 2~3kg per 667m². The application ratio range for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers (pure quantity) is 1:(0.38~0.48):(0.15~0.25).

The specific water and fertilizer irrigation plan is as follows:

1. Emergence Water

Drip irrigation water: 15~20m³ per 667m². Apply monoammonium phosphate or emergence water-specific fertilizer at 2~3kg per 667m² with the water. If soil salinity/alkalinity is high, use urea phosphate or acidic soil conditioner at 2~2.5kg per 667m² instead.

2. Management of the First Irrigation After Emergence

Try to delay the first irrigation until the upper leaves of the young corn plants curl (approximately within 40~45 days of the growth period, around early June). Based on soil moisture, apply 30~35m³ of drip water per 667m². After dripping clear water for h hours, apply 4~5kg of urea, 1.5~2kg of urea phosphate, 1.0~1.2kg of potassium sulfate, or drip irrigation-specific fertilizer with equivalent content (same below) with the water.

3. Second Irrigation Management: Typically 7~12 days after the previous irrigation (mid to late June)

Based on soil moisture, apply 45~60m³ of drip water per 667m². After dripping clear water for 1 hour, apply 3~4kg of urea, 1.5~2.0kg of monoammonium phosphate, 1kg of urea phosphate, 1.0~1.5kg of potassium sulfate, 0.2~0.3kg of zinc, manganese, boron micronutrient fertilizer, and 0.05~0.1kg of magnesium sulfate with the water.

4. Third Irrigation Management: Typically 7~12 days after the previous irrigation (early to mid July)

Based on soil moisture, apply 45~60m³ of drip water per 667m². After dripping clear water for 1 hour, apply 5~6kg of urea with the water. If conditions permit, add 1kg of ammonium sulfate (same below), 3.5~4kg of ammonium phosphate, and 2kg of potash fertilizer.

5. Fourth Irrigation Management: Typically 7~12 days after the previous irrigation (mid to late July)

Based on soil moisture, apply 50~70m³ of drip water per 667m². After dripping clear water for 1 hour, apply 4~5kg of urea, 3~4kg of monoammonium phosphate, 1.5~2.0kg of potassium chloride, and 0.3~0.5kg of amino acids or humic acid (with zinc, boron, manganese ratio of 1:2:1) with the water.

6. Fifth Irrigation Management: Typically 7~12 days after the previous irrigation (early August)

Based on soil moisture, apply 45~55m³ of drip water per 667m². After dripping clear water for 1 hour, apply 2~3kg of urea, 3~5kg of ammonium sulfate, 3~4kg of monoammonium phosphate, 1.8~2.2kg of potash fertilizer (K₂O), and 0.3kg of amino acids or humic acid (containing zinc, boron, manganese, calcium) with the water.

7. Sixth Irrigation Management: Typically 7~12 days after the previous irrigation (mid August)

Based on soil moisture, apply 40~50m³ of drip water per 667m². After dripping clear water for 1 hour, apply 3~4kg of urea, 2~3kg of monoammonium phosphate, and 1.5~1.8kg of potash fertilizer (K₂O) with the water.

8. Penultimate Irrigation

Control water usage to below 30m³ per 667m². Apply 2kg of urea, 1kg of urea phosphate, and 1kg of potash fertilizer (K₂O) with the water. For the final irrigation, apply 1kg of urea and 0.5kg of potassium sulfate.

9. Final Irrigation Management

Control water usage to below 30m³ per 667m², typically around late August or early September. Irrigation is prohibited after mid-September.