Here are a few ways to test and know if a maize (corn) crop is fully matured:
1. Check the kernels:
- The kernels should be plump, firm, and dented at the top.
- When you press a kernel with your fingernail, it should not pop out easily and should leave an indentation.
- The kernels should have a hard, waxy outer layer and a milky or starchy interior.
2. Observe the silk tassels:
- The silk tassels at the top of the corn ears should be brown, dry, and shriveled.
- If the silks are still green and moist, the corn is not fully mature.
3. Examine the corn cob:
- The corn cob should be filled out to the tip, with no empty spaces.
- The cob should be hard and woody, not soft and juicy.
4. Check the moisture content:
- Mature corn kernels typically have a moisture content around 15-20%.
- You can use a corn moisture meter to test the moisture level.
5. Perform the "milk line" test:
- Peel back the husk and examine the kernels.
- The "milk line" is the line that separates the milky, soft endosperm from the hard, starchy endosperm.
- When the milk line has completely disappeared, the corn is considered fully mature.
6. Assess the overall plant appearance:
- The corn plant leaves should be starting to yellow and die back.
- The stalk should be drying out and starting to lodge (lean or fall over).
By using a combination of these methods, you can accurately determine when your maize crop is fully mature and ready for harvesting.
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11 июл 2024