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Knowledge/Crops/Sweetcorn
Vegetables

Sweetcorn

Zea mays

Sweetcorn, or Zea mays, is a variety of maize cultivated for its sweet, edible kernels. It is characterized by its tall stalks, broad leaves, and ears that contain kernels rich in sugars. Sweetcorn is widely used for fresh consumption, canning, freezing, and as an ingredient in various dishes. It is an important crop in many countries due to its nutritional value and economic significance.

Calculate System for Sweetcorn
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Sweetcorn requires careful management of pests and diseases, and there are several varieties including standard, sugary enhanced, and supersweet types, each with different sugar content and flavor profiles.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be prepared with adequate organic matter to improve fertility and structure. Soil testing is recommended to adjust pH and nutrient levels.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Sweetcorn thrives in warm conditions; planting should be timed to avoid frost and ensure adequate heat during the growing season.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Sweetcorn Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Sweetcorn field.

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Related Guides

Sweetcorn: Growing and Irrigation Guide

Introduction Sweetcorn is a popular and delicious crop that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a warm-season vegetable that requires specific growing conditions and proper irrigation to thrive. In this guide, we will explore the economic benefits of growing sweetcorn, the necessary requirements for…

Read Guide
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