How Do Farmers Grow Corn?

Conventional corn farming practices employ genetic engineering and chemical pesticides.

Conventional farming practices involve enormous tracts of land and use non-sustainable growth means--repetitive tilling, pesticides and nitrate application--to produce high yields of corn. Many corn farmers rotate crops with soybeans and other high-yield crops, but a large portion of corn farming is still corn only, according to the corn farming experts at CornOnCorn.com. (COC) The issues generated by non-sustainable corn farming practices are one reason organic farming has gained a major foothold on the agricultural market.

Field Choice

Corn is allelopathic--releases toxins in the soil that suppress new growth--and has particular needs when farmers choose a field to plant, reports COC. Fields chosen are those with high fertility levels which are better producing. High fertility fields coupled with tillage and early rainfall overcome the allelopathic toxin residues left by corn crops.

Standard Tillage Cycles

Aggressive fall tillage is key for farmers growing corn, says COC. Tillage cuts up plant matters remaining and promotes organic soil matter aggregates in the soil. As soil warms in the spring, organic matter decomposition further warms soil and aids is allelopathic toxin reduction. Following standard tillage cycles year-to-year is one practice that keeps crop yields high for conventional farmers.

Nitrogen Management

Conventional corn farmers--especially corn-on-corn farmers--must apply nitrates to soils to replenish the nitrogen corn plants strip from the soil, according to COC. There are many chemical nitrate compositions used by corn farmers, and soil testing is usually an excellent way to determine which nitrate formula is necessary.

Seed Selection

Seed available to conventional farmers growing corn is typically issued or chosen depending on practices the farmer follows. Seed selection should match the grower's fertility practices. Genetics targeted for the environment and defensive traits supporting these genetics are also important in conventional corn seed choices.

Pest Control

Conventional corn farmers control weeds, pests and diseases with genetic traits, seed treatments and chemical pesticides and fungicides. There are a plethora of options afforded a corn farmer for pest control. Bio-engineering and chemical applications are two reasons conventional corn farming is targeted as harmful to the environment.

References

• CornOnCorn.com