Maize: The 100-Metre Sprinter

Introduction

With the recent Olympic Games still fresh in our minds, we can liken the maize plant to a 100-metre sprinter. There are many characteristics that align between a maize plant and a 100-metre sprinter. Maize is inherently a fast-growing crop, but with the new genetics of ultra-fast cultivars, maize is being bred even faster. We have learned that maize establishes its yield potential very early in the season, with ultra-fast cultivars potentially doing so as early as the V3 growth stage. This is an extremely early stage in the maize plant’s life cycle, and with this critical information, we understand that the start of the maize plant is just as crucial as it is for a 100-metre sprinter. The maize plant, or the athlete, can be the best, the fittest, and have the best genetics, along with the best training, but if they stumble at the start of the race, they will not perform to the best of their ability. When the starting gun goes off, everything must be right from the beginning to achieve the best start. The photos below show how early the maize plant begins to form and develop the ear and cob.

Kynoch Opti-Start

The Opti-Start principle is a holistic approach to crop production followed by Kynoch because crop nutrition is only a part of the total success; therefore, much focus is placed on the agronomic aspects of farming to provide the best start for maize. Yield is primarily driven by three main factors: climate, crop, and soil. The producer does not control climatic factors but can create the best potential to better handle stressful weather conditions. Crop factors include cultivar choice, planting depth, plant density, row width, crop rotation, weeds, and pest control. Soil factors such as soil type, tillage, seedbed preparation, and water and salt management must also be considered. Once all the agronomic elements are in place, plant nutrition will come into play. The “4R” principle is applied when deciding on the best fertiliser option; in other words, the (a) right source, (b) right place, (c) right rate, and (d) right time. All these four components must be in place to achieve improved fertiliser efficiency.

Kynoch Start-Up Products

As maize start-up within a given season is of cardinal importance, it is essential to use the right products in the right place. Kynoch offers a wide range of specialised high-quality products scientifically formulated to give maize the best possible start. Kynoch provides producers with a technologically-driven stabilised urea granule fertiliser (KynoPlus®) with reduced loss, and also safer for use in planting mixtures. The ULTRA® range provides essential micro-elements (on each granule) that further enhance potential and start-up. The Miracle™ range has an improved potassium source, plus additional sulphur and silicon, and the CASUMA® range contains secondary elements that are essential for a good start. Consult your Kynoch agronomist for guidance on tailored products to support seedlings, stimulate root growth, and protect seedlings against early stress conditions (such as cold and wet weather); in other words, a better start akin to that of a stronger athlete.

Kynoch offers improved efficiency through innovation. This includes a range of well-considered products from the basic level to high-added technology, as well as prompt and dedicated service. Your satisfaction is important to us. For more information, contact your Kynoch representative and/or agronomist on 011 317 2000 or info@kynoch.co.za. Compiled by Jason Sparrow (SACNASP No: 400202/11)  and Edward Dwyer (SACNASP No: 148614), Kynoch agronomists, Northern Cape.

KynoPlus® K8024 (Act 36 of 1947) 

Ultra Starter® K9001 (Act 36 of 1947) 

Kynoch Fertilizer (Pty) Ltd Registration Number: 2009/0092541/07

Kynoch – Improved Efficiency through Innovation