When to Harvest Corn: Tips and Techniques for Maximum Yield

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Corn is one of the most versatile crops grown around the world as it can be used as livestock feed, fuel, and various industrial processes. However, like any other crop, the optimal yield heavily relies on proper timing of harvesting. In this article, we will discuss the right time for corn harvesting, factors affecting the harvest, signs for recognizing maturity, best practices, and frequently asked questions.

Why is it important to harvest corn at the right time?

Harvesting corn at the right time helps maintain its quality, nutritional value, and yield per acre. The ideal time for harvesting ensures maximum nutrient retention and minimal moisture loss, which is crucial in determining the optimum market price of your produce.

What happens if you don't harvest corn in time?

If corn isn't harvested at the right time, it leads to degraded grain quality and lessens the yield obtained from the field, which directly affects the monetary aspect of farming, leading to lesser profits. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the best timing for corn harvest.

Corn Harvesting Timing: When's the Right Time?

The optimum window for harvesting corn lasts for two weeks after attaining maturity. Here are some essential indicators to consider for deciding the correct time for harvesting corn.

Daytime temperature

The temperature plays a significant role in corn maturity, and it is critical to consider daytime and nighttime temperatures when calculating the heat units required to attain maturity. Generally, corn requires around 2,500 to 2,800 degree Ceus-days, which could range between 60 to 100 days, depending on the variety.

Grain Moisture Content

The ideal grain harvesting moisture content is between 20% to 25%. Harvesting corn too early leads to higher moisture levels in the grain, resulting in spoilage and mold formation during storage. Similarly, if the harvest is delayed, the corn will become too dry, leading to an increased risk of kernel breakage that causes yield loss.

Kernel Milk-line

Upon maturing, a distinct milk line becomes visible on the kernel. Once this line recedes towards the cob's bottom, it indicates that the crop is ready for harvest. Most farmers consider that the optimal harvest time lies when the milk-line recedes to around 1/4th of the kernel.

Black Layer Formation

Once the black layer at the base of the kernel appears, it indicates that the plant has completed its physiological maturity, and it's time for harvest. The black layer is a dense coating inside the seed coat that seals off the key nutrient source from the stalk and makes sure no additional nutrients fill up the kernel.

Corn Maturity Signs: Recognizing the Right Time for Harvest

Here are some essential signs indicating when the corn is ready to be harvested.

Kernel Denting

If the kernel's top shows depression or dent, it indicates the optimal picking stage, which typically lasts for five to ten days after the kernel denting reaches 10-15%.

Ear Drooping

Corn ear drooping suggests that the crop reached maturity as the ears can't hold themselves upright.

Leaf Drying

Once the leaves start drying from the bottom up, it signifies that the plant has stopped nutrient production for maturation and is ready for harvest.

Factors Affecting Corn Harvest: What You Need to Know

Several factors can affect the corn harvest yield. Let's discuss a few of them below.

Weather

Adverse weather conditions such as storms, heavy rainfall, or excessive wind have a significant impact on the corn harvest. Early-season hail can cause severe damage to the corn stalks, developing new tassels, or cobs. Excessive moisture in the field can hinder harvesting, causing muddy and unstable ground conditions, making it difficult for machinery to operate.

Insects and Diseases

One of the most important issues affecting corn growth are insects and pests. It is essential to keep an eye on and timely control pests such as aphids, borers, Japanese beetles, earworms, or other diseases such as rust, smut, or blight prior to harvest. Failure to control these pests can cause significant damage to the corn ears and stalks.

Equipment Issues

Machinery and equipment maintenance are very critical to farm operations affecting yield per acre. Broken or malfunctioned equipment can lead to downtime, delay in planting or harvesting, which directly affects the overall productivity of the field.

Best Practices for Corn Harvest

Here are some suggestions for optimizing your corn harvest:

Pre-Plan Harvest Logistics

Plan meticulously before harvesting, including labor estimate, equipment needs, transportation, and storing facilities. Allocate sufficient time for the equipment check-up to lessen downtime and increase harvest efficiency.

Moisture Monitoring Tools

Use moisture monitoring tools to measure the moisture content of the grain during harvest time. This will enable you to adjust your drying strategy during storage and help avoid spoilage, mold formation, and grain quality deterioration.

Field Drying and Shade Tarping

If possible, let the corn dry out in the field before harvesting. Once harvested, use shade tarps to protect the grain piles from extended sun exposure, as this can cause undesirable heat and moisture buildup, which can harm the grain quality.

Harvesting corn requires proper timing and executing good practices, beginning from pre-planning the logistics to field preparation and until post-harvest storage maintenance. Several factors must be kept in mind, such as weather conditions, moisture content, kernel denting, black-layer formation, pests, and equipment maintenance. Harvesting at the right time while considering these factors leads to better crop yield, nutritional value, and optimal profitability.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions on corn harvesting to help you gain more knowledge on the topic.

How long does it take to harvest corn?

The ideal window lasts for around two weeks, and it depends on factors such as temperatures and humidity where the crop is located. The entire harvest process, including post-harvest methodologies such as sorting, cleaning, and storing, takes around 12 to 15 days.

What is the ideal moisture content for harvesting corn?

The ideal moisture range for harvesting corn is between 20-25%, depending on the location and weather conditions. Above 25% poses a high risk of spoilage and mold formation, while below 20% increases the chance of kernel breakage.

Can you manually harvest corn by hand?

Technically speaking, it is possible to hand-harvest an acre of corn, though that requires several hours without including other farming chores. For large farms, using machinery, such as combine harvesters, is a common practice.

What happens if the corn isn't harvested in time?

If corn isn't harvested at the right time or left unharvested for an extended period, it could cause weather damage, pest infestations, spoilage, resulting in a lower yield, and monetary losses.

How do I store my harvested corn crop?

Ensure that the grain is well dried and the moisture content is within the ideal range before storing in bins, elevators, or bags. Regularly monitor grain quality and temperature, and use proper aeration for temperature management during storage.

Are there any post-harvest considerations that I should take?

Vacuuming, sorting, cleaning, drying, and storing are essential post-harvest practices you need to consider to protect the grain quality from pests, molds, and moisture.

How do I dispose of corn stalks and waste after harvest?

Corn stalks could be either mixed with soil or balanced in compost piles or cycled back into the farm ground for organic matter. Alternatively, one can sell them for silage or biofuel production.

What is the average yield of corn per acre when harvested correctly?

The average corn yield per acre when harvested correctly is between 160-180 bushels. However, factors such as climate and planting technique have a massive impact on determining yield.

What effect does weather have on harvesting corn?

Weather conditions such as storms, heavy rainfall or excessive wind have a significant impact on the corn harvest. Adverse weather can cause considerable damage to the crop and machinery, leading to yield loss.

Why is black layer formation significant in corn harvesting?

Black layer formation signifies that the plant has completed its physiological maturity, and it's time for harvest. The black layer indicates a protective layer sealing off the nutrient source from the stalk and ensuring no more nutrients reach the kernel, helping maintain its quality during storage.