Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
Corn (Field)
Field corn produces grain and silage. Drought near pollination can reduce grain production and increase feeding risks.
Zea mays · Warm-season grain and forage cereal
Profile
- Harvest products
- Grain and whole-plant silage.
- Water demand
- Greatest from late vegetative growth through the blister stage.
- Root development
- Deep root systems help plants withstand drought.
- Feed safety
- Test drought-stressed forage for nitrates and mycotoxins before feeding.
Water & soil context
- Moisture (VWC)
- Maintain available root-zone moisture during rapid growth; no numeric VWC target is established here.
- Salinity tolerance
- Not classified in the cited publications.
- Drought tolerance
- Water shortage reduces yield; stress around pollination is especially damaging.
Illustrative monitoring-depth band
6–12 in
Editorial placement example, not a validated optimum or total rooting depth. Confirm the site's root distribution and soil horizons; multiple depths may be needed.
Prioritize available irrigation during late vegetative growth, pollination, and early kernel development.
Problems to watch
- Drought
- Nitrate accumulation in forage
- Ear molds and mycotoxins
Stress signs
- Rolled leaves
- Greying leaves under severe drought
- Shortened plants
Where you'll find it
- Feed grain
- Livestock silage
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All Science profilesPublished botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.