Corn Fertilizer Deficiency

Season

• Corn is sensitive to cold and does not survive frost. The University of Purdue's Department of Horticulture recommends starting corn 10 to 14 days after the last frost for best protection. Corn seeds won't germinate in cold soil.

Site and Soil

• Corn plants require bright sun and rich soil to grow. Careful planting prevents midseason nutrition problems. Choose sites with bright sunshine and good air circulation. Mix 4 to 5 inches of organic compost into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil for starting nutrition. Starting the corn with 12-12-12 fertilizer provides a rich, balanced nutrient mix.

Signs of Deficiency

• Corn shows its distress in a number of ways if it doesn't get the right mix of soil and sun. Lack of overall nutrition causes stunted growth, flimsy stems, and lack of blooming and fruiting. Nitrogen deficiency leads to the lower leaves turning yellow and streaked. Phosphorous deficiency displays as leaves streaked with dark green or purple. Potassium deficiency leads to older leaves yellowing at the tip, and then drying and dying. Corn also shows various forms of yellowing and streaking with magnesium, sulfur and zinc deficiencies.

Solutions

• Combat all deficiencies with compost supplements and specific fertilizer applications. Mixing 3 inches of organic compost into the soil around the corn at any sign of failing improves soil quality and overall nutrition. The University of Purdue Department of Horticulture recommends high-nitrogen 33-0-0 fertilizer for corn at midseason, although balanced 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer addresses a wider range of vitamin deficiency. Use more specific fertilizers with a specific diagnosis for the problem.